New Knife Search ‘Wanding’ Powers Granted to NSW Police

Police in New South Wales (NSW) will be granted new “wanding” powers to search for knives in crowded areas without a warrant. The news follows two recent stabbing attacks in Sydney, including the Bondi stabbing rampage that killed six people, and the knife attack on a Christian bishop. Labor Premier Chris Minns announced the proposed laws on May 7 to help get knives off the street in Australia’s largest state. The New South Wales Liberal Opposition called for new search powers for police in April, meaning the legislation will likely have bipartisan support. The government is planning to develop legislation modelled on Queensland’s “Jack’s Law,” providing police with the power to “wand” or “scan” people for knives in crowded areas....