The Canberra Liberals are calling for the introduction of handheld metal-detection “wands” for police, as part of a push to curb knife crime next summer.

Shadow minister for police and community safety Deborah Morris is urging the ACT Government to adopt the technology, arguing it would give officers a practical way to detect and remove knives in busy public areas before they can be used.

The proposal follows a string of knife-related incidents across Canberra, including a recent hostage situation at Canberra Hospital, where a patient armed with a knife held eight staff members for several hours.

Under the plan, the opposition wants a Safer Summer pilot program rolled out in nightlife precincts such as Civic and Braddon from December 1. The trial would involve a limited expansion of police search powers, allowing officers to use the devices in designated areas.

So-called “wanding” involves the use of portable metal detectors, similar to those used at airports and major events. Police pass the device over a person’s body to identify concealed metal objects without physical contact. If something is detected, officers can then carry out a more targeted search.

“This is about keeping Canberrans safe, helping local businesses to flourish and giving police modern tools to get on with the job,” said Morris.

“Wanding offers police a safe and dignified solution to countering knife crime in the community.”