New knife laws to see metal detectors deployed ‘anywhere’ in WA

[Pelican Press 0]

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New ****** laws to see metal detectors deployed ‘anywhere’ in WA

New ****** laws introduced by the State Government will give police powers to use metal detectors “anywhere in the State” — in a bid to lower the number of stabbings and slashing in WA.

Police Minister Paul Papalia revealed on Tuesday that the new laws have expanded officers’ powers to use portable metal detecting wands and large-scale full-body metal detectors wherever police deem necessary.

While police will be empowered to use the scanners permanently in the five prescribed entertainment precincts — Northbridge-Perth, Fremantle, Scarborough, Hillarys, and Mandurah — a senior officer with a rank above inspector will be able to declare public places temporary ******-scanning areas.

Camera IconPremier Roger Cook and Police Minister Paul Papalia introduce new legislation to deliver the nation’s toughest ****** laws Andrew Ritchie Credit: Andrew Ritchie/The West ***********

Mr Papalia said those areas could be declared Statewide, not ruling out Optus Stadium for sporting or entertainment events or shopping centres as locations for scans.

The short-term zones would be able to be established “rapidly”, Mr Papalia said, even directed by an Inspector based out of the remote operations centre in Perth.

“Anytime, anywhere, ****** scan laws will help Western Australia’s police force keep Western Australians safer by enabling officers to better detect knives or other easy-to-conceal weapons with a quick, non-invasive check,” he said.

Those found carrying an ”edged *******” illegally will face a maximum of three years jail and a fine of $36,000.

Refusal to participate in a scan or produce an object, if directed, will be an offence punishable by up to 12 months in jail or a fine of up to $12,000.

Premier Roger Cook said WA had not been spared from ****** ******, referencing the police ********* of Willeton teenager James, who had been radicalised online and had stabbed a man in a suburban carpark in May.

“This shocking incident now has added significance in light of Australia’s national intelligence experts lifting the nation’s ******* threat rating,” Mr Cook said.

“My job as Premier is to ensure that all law*abiding Western Australians have a right to feel safe.

“Those who are doing the right thing will not be targeted. These crackdowns will ****** down on targeted people who will do who are doing the wrong thing, those who think they’re above the law and have the right to carry a concealed ******* in our community.”

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