Operation Marshall: Over 1,000 Scanned

In a concerted effort to curb knife violence, Queensland Police have successfully scanned over 1,000 individuals in the Far North region as part of Operation Marshall. Since its commencement on July 18, the operation has led to the discovery of seven weapons through 1,083 wandings.

Operation Marshall is a proactive initiative involving high-visibility patrols and the use of hand-held scanners to detect illegal weapons, in accordance with Jack’s Law. This legislation was enacted following the tragic death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley, who was fatally stabbed in Surfers Paradise in 2019.

Senior Sergeant Brad Rix from the Surfers Paradise Station highlighted the positive community response, noting the cooperation of shop owners, businesses, and the general public. “The response has been very positive, with most individuals willingly surrendering weapons,” Rix reported, underscoring the ongoing commitment to preventing knife violence across Queensland.

Cairns City Patrol Group Inspector Jamie Horn expressed satisfaction with the operation’s impact, particularly noting that among nearly 500 wandings in the past week, only one weapon was detected. “The Cairns community has responded incredibly well, and we’ve seen fewer weapons in public areas,” Horn stated, praising officers for their dedication to public safety.

The police continue to encourage the public to report suspicious activities and crimes through various channels, including Policelink and Crime Stoppers, to maintain the momentum of Operation Marshall and ensure community safety.