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Zero tolerance the only way to cut knife crime



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Published Date: 17 July 2008
By GAVIN BROWN
A NUMBER of horrific recent events have placed knife crime in the media spotlight, both in Scotland and across the United Kingdom. Sadly, these crimes are far from uncommon – in 2005-06, 110 people in the Lothians were hospitalised after being assaulted with sharp objects.
The time has come for a concerted national effort and a zero tolerance approach to knife crime.

There are both immediate measures (tough policing and robust sentencing) and longer-term actions (effective prevention and rehabilitation) that are req
uired. In short, a clear message needs to be sent out – knife crime is utterly inexcusable and carrying a knife will lead to serious punishment.

The immediate measures that we should take include –

• The end of automatic early release for those sent to prison. Far too many criminals are let out after serving a fraction of their sentences.

• Creating a presumption of prison for those convicted of carrying a knife. The maximum sentence in Scotland is currently four years in jail.

• Make it absolutely clear that fiscal fines and other direct measures are inappropriate for knife crime of any kind.

• More police on the beat and a vast reduction of bureaucracy.

What should not be welcome are the ridiculous, gimmicky, measures suggested by the home secretary, such as getting knife criminals to visit victims of stabbings in hospital. Not only would this place a burden on frontline hospital staff, but I would imagine the very last thing someone recovering from a stabbing wishes to see in hospital is a person convicted of carrying a knife.

I fully accept that criminal justice measures alone will not solve the problem but they are a good place to start.

In the longer term we need stronger families, greater opportunities and innovative rehabilitation that can divert people away from crime. Winning the battle against knife crime is likely to take time.

Right now, however, the zero tolerance approach to knife crime is required.

• Gavin Brown is a Conservative MSP for the Lothians




The full article contains 344 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 17 July 2008 9:41 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Knife culture
 
1

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 17/07/2008 12:48:07
Zero tolerance for knives eh?

So under that proposal, anyone who smokes a pipe and carries a pipe knife with them, runs the risk of arrest and charge.

Why is it that every time I read the phrase "zero tolerance" nowadays, there is someone knee-jerking behind it rather than thinnking?
2

I love to eat Sellotape,

17/07/2008 12:57:42
We won't ever be allowed to buy nice sets of kitchen knives. How would be get them home without breaking the law?
3

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 17/07/2008 13:35:28
#2:

Or how about Stanley knives for DIY? Or modelling knives for hobbyists? Or fishermans' knives for those who go fishing? Or Swiss Army knives for those who might occasionally want to open a bottle of wine and cut their toenails at the same time?

Zero tolerance is rubbish. Attacking people with knives is ALREADY very much against the law. Enforce the existing laws and make the punishment fit the crime.
4

A Friend of Fernando Poo,

17/07/2008 14:38:14
What's being missed here is that some of the deaths due to knife use may be righteous kills.

If someone perpetrates a violent attack on another, and causes them to fear for life or limb, then it is reasonable for the victim to use fists or tools, be they knives or handguns, to defend life and limb. It's also reasonable for another to do so on their behalf. If they resist successfully then we should cheer them.

If a small lady punctures a 20-stone rapist and saves her virtue, are we going to demand that the rapist should have been given a fairer chance?

What about a teenage boy waylaid by violent thugs?

It's time we realised that tools, be they knives or handguns are not imbued with demonic properties and are harmless in and of themselves. Any tool requires someone to weild it and their purposes may be good or evil. It's the people of evil purpose who need to be targetted by lawmakers and enforcers, not the objects they use.

We won't ever solve the problems we face without clear, rather than emotional, thinking.

5

James (1),

17/07/2008 21:14:32
There should be a ban on the sale of all knives unless an application for one is made to the police. The knives I am talking about are the type similar to those used by commandoes but sold in shops as a "sporting knife".
The sale of samurai swords I can understand. They are almost an essential item for the home. Who in their right mind could argue not being able to get your hands on one of them?
Once more fuel I see you are at the do what you want routine because its your life.

 

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