NT Police have stop and scan screening powers that allow officers to use handheld metal scanners (wands) to detect knives and other weapons in public places. These laws were introduced in 2023 and 2024 to help keep the community safe.
What is stop and scan screening?
Police can stop people and use handheld scanners to screen for metal objects, including weapons.
Where can police use these powers?
Police may use stop and scan screening:
- in designated high-risk areas
- on public transport
- in places where police believe a crime may have occurred.
This may include most public places, including bus stops and, with the principal’s permission, schools. Screening is carried out under a wanding authority, which can last up to 72 hours.
What happens during a scan?
A police officer may ask you to stand still while they wave the scanner over your clothes, shoes, and bags. Screening should be done respectfully and, where possible, by an officer of the same sex.
Do I have to agree?
Yes. Refusing a lawful scan without a reasonable excuse may be an offence and could result in a fine of up to 8 penalty units. If a weapon is found, police may seize it and you could be fined, arrested, or charged.
What if metal is detected?
Police may ask you to show what you are carrying and may scan you again to check for other metal objects.
What about pocketknives?
Carrying a knife is not always illegal. Police will consider why the knife is being carried and whether there is a lawful reason. Weapons must only be carried in public if there is a valid reason and they are carried safely.
High-risk areas
High-risk areas are places where there are concerns about weapon use and alcohol-related crime.
There are currently 16 high-risk areas across the Northern Territory, including:
- Alice Springs CBD
- Bundilla Beach precinct
- Casuarina CBD
- Darwin CBD
- Fannie Bay precinct
- Karama precinct
- Katherine CBD
- Leanyer precinct
- Malak precinct
- Marrara precinct
- Nightcliff Foreshore precinct
- Nightcliff precinct
- Palmerston CBD
- Parap precinct
- Stuart Park precinct
- Tennant Creek CBD
NT Police Force Wanding Operations
NT Police regularly conduct wanding (screening) operations, often with Transit Officers, to detect and remove prohibited weapons. These operations will continue as part of efforts to improve public safety.