Victorian Labor promises to expand police search powers to prevent knife crime
The Victorian Labor party has pledged to implement 'Jack's Law' if re-elected, granting police expanded stop-and-search powers to combat knife crime. The policy, which involves using handheld metal detectors, has drawn criticism from rights groups concerned about racial profiling.
Why it matters
The debate reflects a broader tension between public safety initiatives and civil liberties, specifically regarding the effectiveness and social impact of increased police surveillance powers.
Victorian Labor says it will expand police search powers if it wins the election in November. ( ABC News: Keane Bourke )
Labor has promised to adopt expanded stop and search powers under "Jack's Law" if it is elected again in Victoria, borrowing from a previously announced Coalition policy.
Criminologists and rights groups argue there is little evidence to suggest expanded powers lead to a reduction in violent offending and warn it can promote racial profiling.
Victoria Police powers are set to expand regardless of whether Labor or the Coalition win the state election.
Link copied Share Share article Victorian Premier Ben Carroll will give police sweeping powers to stop and search anyone in public if Labor is re-elected, borrowing another opposition policy the government had previously resisted.
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