State government’s knife search trial extended by three months

Since November more than 50 searches have resulted in the confiscation of eight knives. Why Reid’s Law has been extended.

Tasmania Police will be conducting increased high visibility patrols at shopping precincts targeting shoplifting and anti-social behaviours in the lead up to the busy festive season. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The state government has announced it will extend its controversial knife search trial to April after reporting “promising results” from the initial two-month rollout.

The government expanded police powers to allow the use of handheld metal detectors for non-invasive searches for knives and other weapons in busy settings in November.

Since its introduction, more than 50 searches in public transport, retail and night precincts had resulted in the confiscation of 10 “dangerous articles” including eight knives, the government reported on Monday.

Police Minister Felix Ellis said the trial had proven to be a “safer and less intrusive” method for the community and police officers.

“Tasmanians have told us they want a government who keeps them safe … and that’s exactly what we are doing,” Mr Ellis said.

Minister Felix Ellis. Launch of firefighter aircraft for the Summer in Tasmania. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Operations Peter Harriss said public feedback had been overwhelmingly positive.

“The police power to conduct searches is not new and the laws about carrying a knife or other edged weapon have not changed. However, the use of handheld wands has proven to be a safer and less intrusive method for both the community and our police officers,” Mr Harriss said.

The trial will inform the development of the government’s knife crime bill, set to be introduced when parliament returns.

If successful, “Reid’s Law” would expand police search powers and deliver stronger penalties for offenders.

Mr Ellis said he was “confident” the implementation of metal detection wands would reduce the “scourge” of knife crime in the state.

The bill was named after Hobart father Reid Ludwig who was stabbed to death at a service station in 2019.

Originally published as State government’s knife search trial extended by three months