A four-month trial of handheld metal detection wands by Tasmanian Police has resulted in 54 weapons being seized, including 42 knives.
The trial, which involved 213 searches across the state, delivered what the government describes as “strong results” with approximately 25% of searches uncovering weapons.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the findings warrant a permanent rollout of the technology.
“Every weapon taken out of the hands of a criminal is potentially a life saved,” Ellis said.
“We’re not talking confiscating tools from farmers or tradies – we’re talking about seizing dangerous weapons from idiots carrying flick knives and machetes for the purpose of causing fear and threatening community safety.”
Tasmania Police Inspector Danny Jackson said the wands have already proved to be a deterrent to violent crime.
“We’ve already found that just by carrying the wands and approaching people in public spaces, that on occasion they will produce the weapon in advance because they understand that they’re going to be searched,” he said.
The wand program forms part of “Reid’s Law”, legislation currently before the Tasmanian Legislative Council that would provide expanded search powers for police and stronger penalties for those caught with dangerous weapons.
Ellis said similar measures have been successful interstate, with Queensland recently expanding “Jack’s Law” to enhance police search capabilities.
The proposed legislation is named after Reid Ludwig, with Ellis acknowledging the advocacy of Laraine Ludwig and the Jack Beasley Foundation in advancing the reforms.
“Wands have proven to be safer for both Police and the community, and they will continue to be used to effectively target knife crime,” Ellis said.
