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.
For information regarding Stop and Scan procedures and the use of handheld scanners (wanding) for security screening, go to the Territory Community Safety website.
- 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.
Authorisation to stop and scan
Police can stop people and use handheld scanners to screen for metal objects, including weapons.
Screening is carried out under a wanding authority, which can last up to 72 hours. During this time, anyone in the area might be asked to stop and get checked with a hand held scanner (wand).
Hand held scanners (wands) are in use across the Territory to detect weapons being carried in public.
You can check if you, your home or your business is in a high-risk area on the maps here: