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UPDATE: Knife crime reform advocate Laraine Ludwig has just handed over over 300 knife-detecting metal wands to Hobart Division Senior Sergeant Danny Jackson outside the Kingston Police Station on December 19, 2023. This initiative marks a significant step in the fight against knife crime in Tasmania, following the tragic death of Ludwig’s son, Reid, who was fatally stabbed in Blackmans Bay in 2019.
In a powerful demonstration of community action, Ludwig’s GoFundMe campaign successfully raised funds to equip Tasmania Police with these essential tools. The deployment of the wands follows a successful four-month trial, which resulted in 213 searches and the seizure of 54 weapons, including 42 knives. “Those figures speak for themselves,” Ludwig stated. “One in four searches resulted in a weapon being taken out of the community. That is 54 potential acts of violence prevented and 54 opportunities for lives to be saved.”
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with Senior Sergeant Jackson noting that the mere presence of these wands has led to instances of individuals voluntarily surrendering weapons before the wands are even deployed. “These wands are non-invasive, quick to use, and proven to work,” Ludwig affirmed, emphasizing their effectiveness in enhancing public safety.
Ludwig, alongside survivors like Jason Knight, who experienced a stabbing at work, and his partner Laura Whittaker, is pushing for broader knife crime awareness and educational programs aimed at schools, slated for rollout in 2026. “Doing the same thing every day will just mean ending up with the same result every time,” Ludwig explained. “That’s why we’re taking action.”
The emotional weight of this initiative is profound; Ludwig is committed to preventing other families from enduring the same heartbreak she has faced. “Nothing will bring my son back, but I will keep doing everything I can to stop other families from experiencing the same trauma,” she said, expressing gratitude to those who contributed to the campaign.
This urgent initiative highlights a community standing firm against knife violence, sending a clear message: action is needed, not excuses. As Tasmania grapples with rising concerns over knife crime, Ludwig’s efforts are a beacon of hope and a call to arms for residents and officials alike.
The distribution of these wands is not just a procedural change; it represents a shift towards a proactive approach in safeguarding communities. With 54 weapons already taken off the streets, the focus now turns to the future as Ludwig and her team prepare to expand their outreach and educational efforts.
Stay tuned for further developments on this critical issue affecting communities across Tasmania as they work towards a safer environment for all.
