Police are set to begin a new initiative against knife crime in Moreton Bay, using hand-held metal detector wands recently proven effective in trials at the Gold Coast.
The detectors will be coupled with a new education program in ten local schools, with the double-barrelled approach rolling out over the coming weeks..
“This law is not based on suspicion; it’s based on location and previous offences.”
The action against knife crime follows new legislation earlier in the year allowing Police new powers to detect and confiscate knives.
The new legislation, known as “Jack’s Law”, was enacted after the stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in 2019.
Moreton District Superintendent John Hallam said Police will not target particular people with the new detector wands but instead will attend specific locations based on data collected around previous knife-related offences.
“This law is not based on suspicion; it’s based on location and previous offences,” he said.
Operations are expected to occur on public transport corridors around Moreton Bay.
The education program will bust some myths and help young people make better choices about carrying a knife.
Education Queensland learning leader for guidance and well-being services Katrina Clarry cites research that shows “in 60% of cases kids carry a knife because they think it’s going to provide them with protection and safety.”
Another 30% carry it for notoriety or to feel tough, and ten per cent carry it to commit an offence, she said.
Police Statistics show more than 3,200 offences related to knives across Queensland in the 2021-22 year and eleven homicides.