Plan for mandatory metal detectors at Perth nightclubs welcomed
Posted
The Police Minister will look at legislation to make metal detectors complusory at nightclubs.
The Safer Northbridge Committee has welcomed a State Government pledge to consider introducing mandatory metal detectors at Perth nightclub entrances.
The Police Minister, Rob Johnson, says he will look at putting forward legislation to make the devices compulsory.
He says most people would support the move, and it would make them feel safer when they go out.
Mr Johnson's comments follow a shooting at a club in Perth's northern suburbs in which three people were injured.
John Lamerand from Safer Northbridge says the group supports the measure.
"We need to make sure that there's an effective deterrent to criminal activity, as there is in air travel, and we acknowledge its benefits when we go the airport, why shouldn't we have that level of protection when we go out?" he said.
The Opposition Police Spokeswoman, Margaret Quirk, says she supports the principle of the idea.
"We'd need to have a look at it in detail, but we think that nightclubs are places where young congregate, and I think their parents and their friends would like to be assured that they'll be safe when they're there."
