Police continue knife crime crackdown with first for the country

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GLOUCESTERSHIRE Constabulary has become the first in the UK to start using a new mobile “search pole” that can help detect hidden knives.

The equipment will be used during major events.

The full-body scan system is said to take up very little space, and is considered a more sophisticated replacement for the force’s 20-year-old plastic knife arches.

It is hoped that it will support the police and crime plan priority, Safer Days and Nights, when used as part of the night-time economy in the county.

Partner agencies will also be able to borrow it for use at events that they are running.

The poles are currently used by security staff at airports but Gloucestershire Constabulary will be the first police force in the country to use one. It will be rolled out in the next few weeks. Chief Inspector Roddy Gosden, night-time economy lead for the force, said: “This is a fantastic piece of equipment that will help in our fight against knife crime. Although there is not a big problem, we want to be proactive in keeping people safe wherever they are. This will be a massive help to all our officers, from our special constables to our neighbourhood policing teams, in continuing their great work in protecting the public.”

Chief Inspector Steve Lindsay said: “This is a huge step up in technology from our current knife arches, keeping us at the cutting edge of fighting crime.”

Martin Surl, Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Gloucestershire is the sixth safest place to live in the country, but I’m pleased the constabulary is not complacent when it comes to violent crime on the county’s streets. We have always been in support of early intervention projects, and this knife pole demonstrates the constabulary’s commitment to my Police and Crime Plan priority – Safer Days and Nights.”

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