Police to use metal detectors to make nightclubbing safer

Police will be testing the use of metal detectors in night-life precincts to crack down on weapons. Read more about the results of the first trial.

Assistant commissioner Brian Wilkins with constable Brianna Biles, left, and senior constable Jacqui Hunt, right, demonstrate how wanding will work. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Police will trial metal detectors in Mackay and Airlie Beach night-life precincts next year to crack down on the use of weapons.

The trial is flagged to start in these areas early next year.

The Queensland Government agreed to extend a police trial of its “wanding” powers for two more years and expand it to all designated Safe Night Precincts and public transport.

The first trial started on the Gold Coast in May 2021 and resulted in almost 500 offenders being charged, 197 weapons seized and almost 16,800 people wanded.

Weapons seized included knives, knuckle dusters, a screw driver and an axe.

An example of the weapons police seized during a wanding trial in Surfers Paradise in 2021. Picture: Supplied

Police Minister Mark Ryan Ryan welcomed the extension of the trial.

“I fundamentally believe that these powers will save lives and reduce violence on our streets,” he said.

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Mark Wheeler said they had asked for the extension.

“We will work carefully with the State Government during the extension of this trial,” Deputy Commissioner Wheeler said.

The new wand. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“There is no need for any person to be in possession of any weapon at any time.

“Anyone who brings a weapon of any description into a public place should expect to be approached by police.

“The message is clear – do not go into public with any object that can be used as a weapon.”

Areas that will trial wanding next year will include Airlie Beach, Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Townsville.