Mackay Whitsunday police have reached a milestone in their wanding efforts, scanning more than 6,700 people for weapons in the past year.
As part of an expansion of Jack’s Law on July 17, 2025, a total of 6,706 people have been scanned, and 14 weapons have been seized.
Police have used handheld metal detecting wands throughout all public spaces such as Safe Night Precincts, shopping centres, public transport hubs and at community events.
Between June 17 and 21, 2026, officers conducted high-visibility patrols to address crime and enhance public safety at licensed premises, community events, and other public spaces throughout Mackay utilising wanding activities and static random breath test (RBT) sites.
Police engaged with more than 40 licensed venues and scanned 157 people, where two knives were seized.
It included a 44-year-old Bakers Creek woman, who was in possession of a knife inside a licensed premises in Mackay Harbour.
She was issued with an adult caution for one count of possession of a knife in a public place.
Mackay Whitsunday District Superintendent Dean Cavanagh said police will continue to detect, deter and disrupt knife crime across public spaces.
“Through ongoing proactive patrols, we are removing weapons from our community that have the potential to cause harm,” said Superintendent Cavanagh.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and enjoy public spaces and venues, and operations under Jack’s Law are pivotal to protecting our community.”
Under Jack’s Law, Queensland police have the authority to conduct handheld metal detection (knife wanding) operations throughout public spaces across Queensland.
