Queensland's government says police have scanned 15,338 people and seized 129 weapons in Far North Queensland since expanded handheld-scanning powers began in July 2025.
In a statement released on 21 October, the government said the same period saw 241 people charged with 378 offences. Those are government-reported figures; the statement does not provide an independent assessment of whether the scanning program has reduced weapon-related crime, or a breakdown showing how many of the charges were for weapons offences.
The powers, commonly known as Jack's Law, allow police to use handheld metal detectors in public places. The law is named for Jack Beasley, who was fatally stabbed on the Gold Coast in 2019. Far North police said reducing knife crime remains a local priority.
Source: Queensland Government media statement, 21 October 2026.
Image: AI-generated editorial illustration. It does not depict an actual police scan or seizure.
