Queensland Police have the power to randomly stop and scan people using wands in the coast's safe night precincts under new laws that are now active.

The trial began over the weekend with 116 people scanned over three 12-hour periods between 6pm and 6am from Friday to Sunday.

One person was found with a screwdriver and another was caught with a knife.

"While this is a prevention strategy and the intent for us is not to get arrests as such, we are finding that we are actually identifying other offences through conducting the scanning activities," Acting Chief Superintendent Rhys Wildman said on Tuesday.

An outstanding warrant, breaches of bail, drug offences and breaches of banning orders were recorded by officers alongside the two weapons incidents.

As well as high traffic areas, Supt Wildman said police were scanning people in "quieter" locations including parks and back streets.

"Anywhere within the safe night precincts, you can be wanded at any time," he said.

The 12-month trial allows police officers to approach people in a public place and scan them using a hand-held wand.

Failure to comply is an offence.

"The actual wanding takes very little time. It's a scan that's conducted. There is no physical contact with the individual," Supt Wildman said.

"Once the wanding is completed (for) the member of the public, you're free to go."

People caught with weapons often used the excuse of fear for their own safety, Supt Wildman said.

"If you're living in fear of the current circumstances in your life, then you need to make some changes," he said

The trial will be subjected to an independent review after 12 months.

Australian Associated Press