‘Jack’s Law’ credited with more than 1,000 weapon seizures on Queensland streets in under a year

Queensland’s police say more than 1,000 weapons have been removed from the state’s streets in less than 12 months under “Jack’s Law,” legislation introduced in the wake of 17-year-old Jack Beasley’s fatal stabbing in Surfers Paradise in 2019.

The law authorises officers to use handheld metal detectors, or wands, to scan people in public places such as transit hubs and shopping centres without a warrant, targeting knives and other weapons. The powers were expanded to the rest of the state in July last year.

Since then, police have conducted more than 127,000 scans, resulting in 1,947 arrests and 3,773 charges. Assistant Commissioner for the South Eastern Region Chris Hodgman said it was encouraging to see the volume of operations and described the legislation as permanent, adding that it gives officers the tools to lawfully search and seize weapons in public spaces to reduce harm and make communities safer.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said taking weapons off the streets helps prevent tragedies. He added that authorities were sending a clear message to young people who carry knives that police have the power to stop and wand them anywhere and remove those weapons.

Jack’s mother, Belinda Beasley, said the seizure of more than 1,000 weapons showed the laws are working to protect the community. “Jack’s Law isn’t just about Jack — it’s about every life that can be saved, and every family that can be spared this kind of loss,” she said.