Police across Queensland’s North Coast Region, from Bundaberg to Petrie, have conducted more than 283 wandings since the permanent introduction of Jack’s Law as part of Operation Marshall.
Under Jacks Law, Operation Marshall involves high visibility patrols where officers use hand-held scanners to wand or detect illegal weapons in public places.
From 18 to 21 July, the Wide Bay Burnett District conducted 54 wandings at various locations across the district including licenced premises and shopping centres.
A 29-year-old Pialba man (pictured) was allegedly found with a knife at a shopping centre in Maryborough on 19 July and has been charged with one count of possessing a knife in a public place. He has been issued a notice to appear in Maryborough Magistrates Court on 11 August.
The Sunshine Coast District has conducted 100 wandings and, as of 21 July, no weapons have been located.
The Moreton District has conducted 129 wandings at various locations across the district including shopping centres and public transport hubs.
A 15-year-old Caboolture boy was allegedly found with a knife at a public transport station in Morayfield on 19 July and has been dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
During the wanding operations in the Moreton district, officers also detected one drug offence and issued five traffic infringement notices.
Proactive wanding operations under Operation Marshall will continue until mid-August and the community can expect to see police scanning for weapons in public places.
North Coast Region Assistant Commissioner Glenn Morris said low or no results were good results.
“We have seen pleasing results so far with only two weapons found during 283 wandings,” Asst Commissioner Morris said.
“Police will continue to be out in force conducting wanding operations with metal detectors in the coming weeks and I hope we see no further weapons.
“It is illegal to possess a knife or deadly weapon in a public place and we’re focused on enforcing this to ensure everyone’s safety.”
