Police seize two knives in recent Rockhampton wanding operation

A man and woman in their 30s are among the latest allegedly caught with knives via police “wanding” as the new searching power is extended across Queensland. VIDEO.

Two people will face court in the next week after each being found in possession of a knife during a recent “wanding” operation – a metal-detective security check made possible by the recently passed Jack’s Law.

On Thursday police revealed that on the weekend of April 20 and 21 officers conducted wanding operations in the safe night precinct as they continued to crack down on weapons in public.

During the operation officers wanded 39 people in the Rockhampton CBD and seized two knives.

As a result, a 33-year-old Depot Hill man and a 33-year-old Allenstown woman were each given a notice to appear in court after being charged with possessing a knife in a public place.

Officers from Rockhampton Police recently seized two knives during wanding operations in the Safe Night Precinct on April 20 and 21.

They are both expected to appear in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on May 9.

Rockhampton Police Acting Superintendent Mark Burgess said the high visibility operations would continue and were important to protect and enhance community confidence and safety.

“This is about high visibility policing, detection and prevention. Scans are quick, averaging a minute or two and require no physical contact by police,” he said.

“Every weapon taken off the streets stops further potential offences or harm being caused.

“Since Jack’s Law was introduced in April 2023, police now have the ability to wand for weapons, particularly knives, to stop crimes and increase public safety.

“The Rockhampton community can expect local police to continue with these operations, particularly targeting the safe night precincts.”

On Wednesday Police Minister Mark Ryan introduced a bill to parliament proposing the expansion of Jack’s Law to more places in Queensland.

Officers from Rockhampton Police recently seized two knives during wanding operations in the Safe Night Precinct on April 20 and 21.

Jack’s Law enables metal detecting wands to be used to detect knives being carried in public spaces and gives police the powers to issue penalties for unlawfully possessing a knife in a public space.

The proposed expansion would see Jack’s Law used in additional locations like shopping centres, licenced premises, sporting and entertainment venues and high-risk retail outlets.

‘Jacks Law’ was initially passed by state parliament in March of 2023 and commenced in April 2023, with more than 540 weapons seized across the state since its introduction.