Jack’s Law Milestone in Queensland: 1000 Weapons Seized in Police Operations

In a significant development for public safety in Queensland, police wanding operations conducted under Jack’s Law have resulted in the removal of 1,000 weapons from the streets, since it came into effect last year. 


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North Brisbane Operation 

Photo credit: Queensland Police Service

Last month, Queensland Police conducted a major wanding operation in North Brisbane, demonstrating the expanded reach of Jack’s Law. On September 19, officers wanded 120 people and seized a pocketknife during the operation. 

A 16-year-old girl from New South Wales was charged with one count of possession of a dangerous article after being found with a pocketknife in a Brisbane City shopping precinct.

This recent operation contributes to the impressive total for North Brisbane in 2024:

  • 53 weapons seized
  • Over 6,500 people wanded

The array of confiscated weapons includes kitchen knives, butcher’s knives, knuckle dusters, and pocket knives, highlighting the diverse nature of potential threats being addressed.

Jack’s Law: Expanding Scope and Impact

Photo credit: Queensland Police Service

Jack’s Law was initially introduced in response to the tragic stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in Surfers Paradise in 2019. In September 2024, the law’s scope was broadened to allow wanding in additional high-risk public locations, including shopping centres, licensed premises, and sporting precincts.

Complementing the expanded wanding powers, Queensland has implemented a ban on the sale of blades to individuals under 18 years of age. This comprehensive approach aims to reduce access to potential weapons and further discourage knife possession among young people. 

Youth Crime Taskforce Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Massingham praised the law’s impact, stating, “The response from shop owners, businesses, and stakeholders has been incredibly positive, with a number of knives and other weapons seized in busy shopping centres, potentially preventing a tragedy.”

He added, “To reach more than 1000 dangerous weapons is an outstanding achievement, and representative of our commitment to proactive efforts to disrupt knife crime and protect our communities.”

The Beasley Family’s Continued Advocacy

Photo credit: Jack Beasley Foundation/Facebook

Belinda Beasley, Jack’s mother, expressed pride in her son’s enduring legacy through the law named in his honor. “To see Jack’s Law grow from Surfers Paradise to across Queensland and now into other states across Australia is incredible, and we know it will save lives,” she said.

The Beasley family, through the Jack Beasley Foundation, continues to work closely with police to prevent knife crime and educate young people about the dangers of knife violence.


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As Jack’s Law continues to make a significant impact on public safety in Queensland, its success serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, community stakeholders, and dedicated families working to create safer public spaces for all.

Published 9-October-2024