THE LAW AROUND KNIVES

It's illegal to carry a knife, if searched and caught in possession you'll be arrested.

You are likely to end up in court and could be given a criminal record which will affect the rest of your life.

The maximum prison sentence for possession is 4 years, but this could be increased if it is used in a crime or to injure someone.

The Criminal Justice Act (CJA) 1988 created an offence of having an article with a blade or point in a public place without good reason or lawful excuse. An example of a lawful excuse would be a folding pocket knife of less than three inches. Maximum penalty: up to 2 years imprisonment.

In Northern Ireland the maximum penalty is 4 years imprisonment.

CJA 1988 also created a similar offence having a knife or article with blade or an offensive weapon on school premises. Maximum penalty: up to 4 years imprisonment.

The maximum penalty is a serious prison sentence. Carrying a knife in school or in a public place is treated very seriously.

Criminal Law (Consolidation - Scotland) Act 1995 Section 47 -

POSSESSING AN OFFENSIVE WEAPON IN A PUBLIC PLACE

Any person without lawful authority or reasonable excuse (the onus being on the person to provide proof) who possesses an offensive weapon in public commits an offence under the England &Wales Prevention of Crime Act 1953. 

In Northern Ireland the offence comes under the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 and carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 4 years.

POWERS OF SEARCH AND ARREST

A police constable may arrest without a Warrant and detain for such time as is reasonably required to permit a search to be carried out

A police constable may enter school premises and search premises and any person suspected of carrying a weapon.

MINDING A WEAPON

The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 introduced the offence of using someone to mind a weapon. A person is guilty of an offence under section 28 if he hides or looks after a weapon for someone. The maximum prison term is 4 years imprisonment.

ONCE CAUGHT IN POSSESSION

During the summer of 2008 the Lord Advocate Guidelines were amended to state that those caught in possession of knives will be prosecuted.

ADDRESSING THE PROBLEMS ABOUT CARRYING KNIVES

You may be a young person who has thought about carrying a knife?

It could be to protect yourself, or to get respect or to look cool?

But, if you carry a knife and you get into an argument, you are more likely to use it or have it used against you.

Having a knife could get you into some serious trouble; you could end up stabbing someone or being hurt yourself.

CRIMESTOPPERS

Do you know of anyone who carries a knife, or has used a knife in a criminal activity?

The next victim could be you, someone you know, a friend or a member of your family.
Knives are not a game, the results are real and can be lethal.

Ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and help us make it Gameover4knife crime.

Crimestoppers will not ask your name, your age, where you live and you do not have to give a statement or go to court.