Police in Far North Queensland have made a significant number of arrests and taken a dangerous haul of weapons off the streets during a targeted operation utilising controversial new search powers.
Major Operation Under Jack's Law Powers
The week-long police blitz, which concluded recently, resulted in 135 people being arrested on 290 charges. The operation saw officers actively using their authority under 'Jack's Law' to conduct random wanding searches for knives in designated safe night precincts and on public transport networks across the region.
In a stark demonstration of the law's impact, officers seized a total of 32 weapons during the crackdown. The confiscated items were not limited to knives and included other dangerous implements. Among the seized weapons were a tomahawk, a machete, and a set of knuckledusters, highlighting the variety of threats faced by police and the public.
Weapons Seized and Charges Laid
The operation was not solely focused on weapon possession. Police also targeted a range of other offences during their high-visibility patrols. The 290 charges laid encompassed serious matters including drug trafficking and supply, as well as numerous instances of possessing dangerous drugs and utensils.
Far North Police Chief Superintendent Chris Hodgman emphasised the proactive nature of the operation. "This was about being proactive to prevent violent incidents before they occur," he stated. The senior officer stressed that the primary goal of utilising Jack's Law is community safety, aiming to deter people from carrying weapons and to intercept those who do.
A Focus on Prevention and Community Safety
The implementation of Jack's Law across Queensland followed the tragic stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley on the Gold Coast in 2019. The legislation grants police the power to 'wand' or scan individuals for knives without needing a specific reason in designated areas, a move aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
Superintendent Hodgman reinforced the message that carrying a knife does not enhance personal safety. "Carrying a knife does not make you safer," he warned, noting that such weapons often escalate situations and can be used against the carrier. He confirmed that police in the Far North will continue to conduct these wanding operations as an ongoing strategy to ensure public safety.
The recent crackdown sends a clear message to the community about a zero-tolerance approach to weapon carriage in the region's public spaces. With 135 individuals now facing court and a significant cache of weapons removed from circulation, police are framing the operation as a major success for the preventative powers granted by Jack's Law.
