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Hi-tech battle against knife crime
23/10/2009
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today saw first hand how the police are using new metal detectors to tackle knife crime during a visit to Partick rail and subway station.
Strathclyde Police and British Transport Police joined forces to run an operation to combat anti-social behaviour and knife crime. The new detectors in action today will help provide reassurance to rail staff and the travelling public and help reduce the carrying of knives.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:
"I want to make sure that our police forces are armed with the equipment they need to make our communities safer. These new hi-tech metal detectors will help them to do that.
"I am very pleased to see Strathclyde and British Transport Police working together to make our communities safer.
"These searches are necessary to prevent knife crime happening as well as severely punishing those who carry weapons.
"We are now doing more than ever to tackle knife crime with tougher sentences and tough police action to take weapons off our streets.
"Changing the booze and blade culture won't be quick and it won't be easy but we can not go on as we are."
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport's Head of Security, Donnie Macleod said:
"Metal detectors have already proved to be extremely useful in detecting and deterring anyone who thinks they can carry weapons on the Subway network. I hope that initiatives such as this will reassure people that, through partnership with our police forces, we are doing all we can to make their journey as safe as possible."
Chief Inspector Graham Goulden, Anti-Violence Campaign Co-ordinator for the Violence Reduction Unit, said:
"The benefit of metal detecting poles is threefold - not only can they be used to detain those carrying weapons, they send out a clear warning to those thinking of carrying them that such behaviour will not be tolerated. In addition, they reassure the public that we take this issue seriously, are doing everything we can to tackle it and that it is safe for them to go out and enjoy everything Scotland's cities have to offer."
Inspector Vincent Smith, of British Transport Police, said:
"The Ferroguard poles will be an invaluable additional tool that can use on their own, or in tandem with scanners that we already use, across the country in detecting those who think they can carry knives or other offensive weapons on the rail network. They will help ensure passengers and rail staff can continue to travel without hindrance or threat of violence."
Superintendent Bob Hamilton, Anti-violence Directorate, Strathclyde Police said:
"The Force has the use of eight of the poles which, along with the fact that they are portable and easy to use, will allow officers to use this type technology more effectively and target the known hotspots, detecting and deterring those intent on carrying knives."
The Scottish Government invested £90,000 to provide police forces across Scotland with these new ferroguard metal detectors.
The funding secured 16 ferroguard pole scanners. Strathclyde Police will receive seven scanners, Lothian and Borders two scanners and all other forces, including British Transport Police, will receive one. Strathclyde Police also have the use of an existing pole.
Unlike traditional archway detectors, the new portable metal detectors can be set up in less than 60 seconds and have a complete 360 degree pickup.
The new equipment is simple to use and set up and can be used in almost any setting such as nightclubs, football matches and other public events.