Jack’s Law should not be made Permanent

“QCCL has opposed Jack’s Law from beginning. We oppose the making of this law, which violates a fundamental principle, permanent” says QCCL President Michael Cope

We oppose this law, for the following reasons:

1.    It abrogates a fundamental protection of individual liberty, by removing the requirement of a police officer to have a reasonable suspicion prior to conducting a search of a person.

2.    It does so in circumstances where there is no clear evidence that the measure will be effective in reducing crime to any significant degree, if at all.

3.    Based on past experience, the power will be abused by police officers who will search people based on prejudices and generalisations about people in the community.

4.    The pressure will come on to expand the power. This has already happened. Originally this measure was to be used in safe night precincts. Then it was extended to public transport. Then it was extended to shopping centres and recreation venues. How are these places distinguishable from a local park? Soon the pressure will come on to extend these laws to other areas

“There was a review of the initial trial of these by powers by Griffith University. Significant numbers of weapons were found during that trial. But no evidence was found that the searches had reduced offending.”

The police have made it clear that they will be exercising a discretion as to who is searched - they will be “judicious” and elderly people will have nothing to fear. Research from Australia and overseas indicates that police assessments of whom to search or question are often based on generalizations and negative stereotypes that are in part attributable to ethnic bias.

“The Griffith Uni Review found that during the trial of wanding many people were searched due to police racial bias ie indigenous people were searched disproportionately.”

“The detectors can sense metal the size of syringe needle. As most of us carry metal of this size or bigger this means many innocent people will be subject to a search in public” said Mr Cope.

It has been found that, aside from the shame and humiliation associated with searches, disproportionate stop and search practices can also cause people to feel a diminished sense of belonging, fear, insecurity, anxiety, intimidation and helplessness.

“This proposed law, like many tough on crime measures is being proposed in response to a most tragic situation. However as is always the case public policy has to have regard to a broad range of considerations no doubt including but extending beyond the circumstances of any single case no matter how tragic.”

For further information contact Michael Cope President QCCL on 07 3223 5939 during office hours and at all times on 0432 847 154

16 December 2024