What is a Knife Crime Prevention Order?

In order to enhance police powers the Government is seeking an amendment to the Offensive Weapons Bill to introduce Knife Crime Prevention Orders.

What is a Knife Crime Prevention Order?

It is proposed that anyone aged 12 or over can be made subject to a Knife Crime Prevention Order (KCPO) if:

1. They are found to be carrying, without good reason, a bladed article in a public place (including a school) twice in a period of two years, and
2. The court believes it is necessary to impose and order to protect the public or prevent the young person from committing a crime with a bladed article.

Who can apply for a Knife Crime Prevention Order?

Applications for KCPOs can only be made by chief police officers, the chief constable of the British Transport Police or the Ministry of Defence Police. Before making the application, if the defendant is under the age of 18, the relevant person must consult with the Youth Offending Service (YOS) for the area that the young person lives in.

What can a Knife Crime Prevention Order require a person to do?

• Participate in specific activities
• To be in a particular place on specified days or between particular times
• Require that the young person reports to a specified individual on specified days/times

What can a Knife Crime Prevention Order prohibit?

• Being with particular people
• Being in particulars places
• Taking part in specified activities
• Using the internet to engage or facilitate crimes using bladed articles
• Using or having specified articles with them

How long can a Knife Crime Prevention Order last?

The Order could last between six months and two years.

What happens if I breach the Order?

On summary conviction, the maximum sentence is imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, a fine or to both. On conviction on indictment, the maximum sentence is imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, a fine or to both.