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.


Read: Chermside Man Arrested After High-Speed Pursuit with Stolen Vehicle


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

Police Gather At Chermside To Remind The Public Of Personal Safety

Police officers are handing out leaflets at the Chermside shopping and public transport precinct to remind the public to take some preventative measures to increase their personal safety when out in public spaces.


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Queensland Police Service (QPS) has partnered with Westfield Security and BCC security to create a safe environment for members of the public, by handing out more than 3,000 Safer Living for Queenslanders booklets.

The booklets cover core personal safety strategies; dealing with confrontation; and situational strategies for in the home, online, out and about, public transport, in the car, for children, for seniors, in the workplace, and in the social scene.

personal safety booklets
Photo credit: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/ 

Whilst we all have the right to be safe and it is important for people to be aware of it and exercise this right, QPS reminds the public that they also have responsibility for their own safety.

“Adopting practical safety strategies can help reduce the risk of victimisation and assist you to respond effectively if your safety is threatened,” QPS stated.

When out and about, these are some things people can do to appear confident in their surroundings: 

  • Always exhibit strong and positive body language to appear self-assured.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and alert to what is going on around you.
  • Listen to, trust, and act on your instincts and if you sense danger from someone, something or a place, immediately remove yourself from the situation
  • Remove headphones or use of your mobile phone while out walking or crossing the road – distraction reduces your awareness of what is happening around you and can make you more vulnerable to a potential offender.
  • Wherever possible, walk in well-lit areas and face oncoming traffic.
  • Ensure you inform someone where you are going and an ETA for your return.
qld police
Photo credit: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/ 

According to QPS’ Online Crime Map from 16 September 2021 to 15 March 2022, Chermside has recorded 62 cases of assault, 10 cases of robbery, and 9 cases categorised as ‘other offences against the person.’


Read: FOGO Food Waste Recycling Service Pilot Coming to Chermside


If you observe suspicious or threatening behaviour, contact police immediately and if it is safe to do so, respond to any calls for assistance.

You can report via Policelink or via 131 444 for non-urgent concerns and 000 for emergency.