IPSWICH has emerged as one of Queensland’s key hotspots in the rollout of Jack’s Law, with dozens of weapons removed from local streets as the statewide crackdown passes a major milestone.
More than 1,000 weapons have been seized across Queensland under the legislation, with Ipswich accounting for 76 weapons removed following 6,487 police scans.
The figures highlight the law’s growing impact in the region, as police continue to use handheld scanners to detect weapons in public places without a warrant.
Since the laws were expanded statewide and made permanent in July last year, officers have conducted more than 127,000 scans, resulting in 1,947 arrests and 3,773 charges.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the milestone reflected a proactive approach to community safety.
“1,032 weapons off our streets means 1,032 chances to prevent a tragedy,” he said. “This is what happens when you back your frontline with the laws and resources they need to do their jobs.”
Mr Purdie said the decision to make the laws permanent had ensured police could continue targeting knife crime before incidents occur.
The impact has been felt across Queensland, with higher-volume regions including the Gold Coast (197 weapons seized), North Brisbane (132), and Townsville (145), while Ipswich’s figures place it among the more active regions for both scans and seizures.
Beyond enforcement, the Queensland Government has committed $1 million to the Jack Beasley Foundation’s One Moment program, which aims to educate young people about the consequences of knife crime.
With thousands of scans already conducted in Ipswich alone, police say the law will continue to play a critical role in preventing violence and improving community safety across the region.
