What’s Happening?
Police laid weapon charges following a targeted Jack’s Law operation on Russell Island on 1 August.
The operation took place along High Street and at a nearby public transport terminal.
Why It Matters
Jack’s Law gives police powers to scan people and their belongings with handheld metal detectors.
These searches aim to find knives and other weapons in public spaces and entertainment venues.
Local Impact
The operation focused on keeping weapons away from High Street and the island’s public transport network. Russell Island police said targeted patrols would continue across the Bay Island communities.
By the Numbers
- Police charged two Russell Island men with weapon offences following the 1 August operation.
- Around 7pm, officers allegedly found a knife on a 21-year-old man during wanding on High Street.
- About 45 minutes later, police allegedly recovered another knife after a 32-year-old man attempted to flee.
Zoom In
Police issued the 21-year-old man a notice to appear for possessing a knife in a public place.
He was due to appear at Cleveland Magistrates Court on 6 August.
At 7: 45pm, officers ordered the 32-year-old man to stop for wanding at the public transport terminal. Police allege he attempted to flee and discarded a knife. Officers pursued him, took him into custody and found the knife nearby.
A later search allegedly found drugs and a syringe. Police charged him with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs. He also faces one count of possessing a knife publicly.
Further charges include obstructing police and failing to dispose of a needle and syringe properly.
He was remanded in custody and was expected to reappear at Cleveland Magistrates Court on 5 August.
Zoom Out
Russell Island Police Station officer-in-charge Sergeant Ryan Brown said the arrests should reassure residents.
“These arrests should reassure the local community that police are actively targeting knife crime and working to keep weapons off our streets,” Sergeant Brown said. “We will continue conducting targeted patrols to ensure residents are safe in our Bay Island communities.”
What To Look For Next?
Residents can expect further targeted patrols and Jack’s Law wanding operations across Russell Island and nearby Bay Island communities.
