The Basics of Knife Crime Prevention Orders: What You Need to Know
Knife crime has been a prevalent issue all around the world. It is a serious and devastating issue that can change a community’s dynamics and everyone’s lives affected by it. That is why various countries have enforced laws to control and monitor the commission of such crimes. In this article, we will discuss a specific law that has caught the eye of lawmakers in the United Kingdom, the Knife Crime Prevention Order (KCPO).
KCPO; What is it?
In simple words, KCPO is a civil order that restricts an individual from carrying knives in public without any legal justification. These orders are imposed on people who have committed a knife crime before or have shown violent behavior in the past. The KCPO aims to prevent such people from committing knife crimes again by controlling and restricting their access to knives and other dangerous weapons.
Who is Affected by KCPO?
KCPOs have been implemented in the United Kingdom since 2015. These orders apply to both adults and minors who have been convicted of a knife crime or have shown violent tendencies. At the same time, children under the age of 12 cannot be subject to a KCPO. Moreover, the police department has the authority to issue a KCPO even if the person has not been prosecuted for any crime, but they consider them a potential threat to public safety.
What are the Conditions and Penalties of KCPO?
The KCPO comes with several conditions, which is issued by the court. The restrictions may vary depending on the severity of the previous offense. The KCPO can prohibit the individual wearing or carrying a knife anywhere in public except the residential premises. Additionally, the court may impose electronic monitoring, attend welfare programs such as anger management courses and drug treatment programs.
The court can consider a breach of the KCPO as non-compliant behavior that can lead to an arrest warrant. For adults, breaching KCPO may lead to imprisonment for up to two years, whereas it could be a criminal offense for a juvenile. Furthermore, a breach of the KCPO can result in a criminal record and impacts several aspects of life such as employment and education.
Conclusion
Knife Crime Prevention Order is a critical aspect to control and limit knife crimes. These orders offer a crucial tool for law enforcement agencies to keep track of individuals who pose a threat to society and control their behavior. It helps keep the community safe from knife-related violence, with orders such as KCPO setting a high standard of prevention and intervention that helps avert future crime.
Finally, with the right tools and resources and through co-operation between law enforcement agencies and members of the public, we can make it possible to reduce knife crime and create safer communities for everyone.
