Have police stopped, searched, or charged you under Jack’s Law?
Call or email Aitken Whyte Lawyers’ Criminal Defence team for experienced representation.
From 12 June 2025, Jack’s Law is now permanent in QLD following the passing of the Police Powers and Responsibilities (Making Jack’s Law Permanent) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (Qld).
Jack’s Law authorises police officers to conduct searches of persons using a handheld scanner without a warrant in particular places such as licensed venues, shopping centres and public transport stations.
Jack’s Law began as a trial on the Gold Coast in 2023 following the death of Jack, a 17-year-old killed by another person with a knife.
The law gives the Police the power to “wand” members of the public in particular places without a warrant. These enhanced powers have seen approximately 1100 weapons seized between April 2023 and June 2025.
The bill amends the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld) (“PPRA”) to insert a new part 3A, which allows a senior police officer to authorise the use of a handheld scanner at a “relevant place”.
A relevant place is defined as the following:
The senior officer is only able to issue such an authority if certain requirements are met. For example, a knife offence or violent offence punishable by 7 years imprisonment must have occurred in the same area. Practically, any relevant place as provided for in the legislation will likely also satisfy section 39C (2) to be effective to deter the commission of an offence involving the possession of a knife.
If an officer is conducting wand searches in a relevant place, such as a public transport station, a safe night precinct, or on a train, they may require you to stop and submit to a search conducted by that officer using a handheld scanner called a “wand”.
The act requires that they do so in the least invasive way possible in the circumstances, and the police are authorised to detain you for a period of time to complete the search. The search would involve the officer waving the wand over your body, searching for metal objects.
If required to submit to the test, you must do so. It is an offence to contravene a direction or requirement of a police officer. The maximum penalty for such an offence is 40 penalty units or 60 in particular circumstances.
If the wand detects metal on your person, the officer may then require you to produce the thing that is or is likely to be causing the detection and to submit to a further search by handheld scanner.
The new part of the legislation does not authorise the search of a person without a warrant. It merely authorises the use of the wand without a warrant.
However, if metal is detected, this would satisfy section 30 (1)(a)(i) of the PPRA, which would then authorise a search of the person without a warrant.
The police will then search the person, and the person will be charged with an offence if they are found to be carrying a knife, or any other item that they are prohibited by law from carrying, such as dangerous drugs.
The offence of possession of a knife attracts a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment for a first offence, OR 100 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment for each subsequent offence.
Facing such charges can be daunting. Aitken Whyte Lawyers are focused on achieving the best results for our clients. Call today to speak with an experienced solicitor and protect your rights.
If you have been searched by police officers under the new legislation and have been charged with an offence, the best thing you can do is seek prompt legal advice.
Contact our team on (07) 3229 4459 to discuss your matter with one of our solicitors
It is essential that you have experienced solicitors when facing charges for:
These offences can carry serious penalties and have lasting consequences. Our criminal lawyers will guide you, providing clear, strategic advice at every stage.
Aitken Whyte Lawyers Brisbane are focused on results. Our solicitors can assist with all Criminal Defence matters. Contact us today if you need to discuss charges arising from police searches under Jack’s Law.
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Aitken Whyte Lawyers Brisbane
2/414 Upper Roma Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
