More Tasmania Police officers will be able to search people for weapons in public places under new legislation, as the trial of hand-held metal detection wands is extended statewide.
The wand trial began in Hobart and Launceston in December, with over 50 searches resulting in the confiscation of ten dangerous articles – including eight knives.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the searches have been carried out in key areas like shopping centres, public transport hubs and entertainment precincts.
“The use of hand-held wands has proven to be a safer and less intrusive method for both the community and our police officers,” he said.
“Since the start of the trial, our officers have been actively using the wands in key areas such as retail and night precincts and public transport hubs.”
He said legislation to make the devices permanent will be introduced when Parliament returns in March, thanking Laraine Ludwig and the Jack Beasley Foundation for their “tireless advocacy”.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Operations Peter Harriss said feedback from the public has 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,” he said.
“However, the use of hand-held wands has proven to be a safer and less intrusive method for both the community and our police officers.”
The trial will be extended for another three months across Tasmania until 2 April 2025.
