The Tasmanian Government's trial of non-invasive searches with hand-held metal detection wands has come to end, showing strong results.
Over the four-month trial period, 213 searches were conducted across the state, resulting in 54 weapons being seized – 42 of which were knives.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the results of the trial highlight the need for a permanent roll out of hand-held wands.
"Every weapon taken out of the hands of a criminal is potentially a life saved," Minister Ellis said.
"Across the state, one in four searches resulted in the seizure of a weapon.
"We're not talking confiscating tools from farmers or tradies - we're talking about seizing dangerous weapons from idiots carrying flick knives and machetes for the purpose of causing fear and threatening community safety.
"It's not good enough, and we're coming down on it like a tonne of bricks.
"Tasmanians have told us they want a government that keeps them safe, and through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, that's exactly what we are doing."
The use of hand-held wands forms a part of Reid's Law, which is set to be debated in the Legislative Council this week.
"If passed, Reid's Law will provide greater search powers for police and stronger punishments for those caught with a dangerous weapon," Minister Ellis said.
"We've seen the success of this Law in other jurisdictions, with Queensland recently expanding Jack's Law to provide greater search powers to Police.
"Reid's Law is a credit to the advocacy of Laraine Ludwig, and the work of the Jack Beasley Foundation, and I thank them on behalf of the future lives that these reforms will save.
"Wands have proven to be safer for both Police and the community, and they will continue to be used to effectively target knife crime.
"I look forward to working with members of the Legislative Council to pass this life-saving legislation."
