Ipswich police are continuing to intensify efforts to curb knife crime across the district with more than 6000 people scanned under Jack's Law to date.
Since becoming legislated and expanded last July, police have been utilising handheld metal detecting wands in designated public areas across the district as part of targeted operations focused on preventing knife-related violence and enhancing community safety.
The scans have been conducted at a range of locations including public transport hubs, entertainment precincts, shopping centres and community events, with officers conducting visible patrols and engaging with the public while identifying people carrying knives unlawfully.
The laws, introduced in response to the tragic stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasly in 2019, are an important prevention tool, allowing officers to intervene before a situation escalates and ensuring dangerous weapons are removed from the streets.
Since 18 July 2025 to 17 April this year, 6204 people have been scanned with police seizing 74 weapons.
On April 9, police scanned two 17-year-old boys at a shopping centre in Redbank Plains allegedly locating three knives. A 17-year-old Ipswich boy has been charged with one count of possession of a knife in a public place and was due to appear in the Ipswich Childrens Court on 14 April. A 17-year-old Silkstone boy has been charged with one count of possession of a knife in a public place and is due to appear in the Ipswich Childrens Court on 21 April.
On April 15, police scanned a 28-year-old Camira man at a Goodna train station allegedly locating a knife. He was charged with one count of possession of a knife in a public place and is due to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on 30 April.
Ipswich Acting Superintendent Ben Mackenzie said police will continue conducting wanding operations as part of ongoing efforts to detect and remove knives from people who may be carrying them unlawfully.
"Knife violence has devastating consequences that extend far beyond those directly involved, leaving family, friends and entire communities dealing with the aftermath," Acting Superintendent Ben Mackenzie said.
"These proactive patrols give police the ability to identify people carrying knives and remove those weapons before they can be used to cause harm.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe when they are out in public and initiatives like Jack's Law play a crucial role in preventing violence and protecting our community."
Timestamps:
0.00 - 0.19 – QP2600692817 – On April 9, police scanned two 17-year-old boys at a shopping centre in Redbank Plains allegedly locating three knives. A 17-year-old Ipswich boy has been charged with one count of possession of a knife in a public place and was due to appear in the Ipswich Childrens Court on 14 April. A 17-year-old Silkstone boy has been charged with one count of possession of a knife in a public place and is due to appear in the Ipswich Childrens Court on 21 April.
0.19 - END - QP2600730844 On April 15, police scanned a 28-year-old Camira man allegedly locating a knife. He was charged with one count of possession of a knife in a public place and is due to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on 30 April.
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