Why the glamorising of murder must stop now

ANYTHING that glamorises, celebrates or encourages the senseless murder of our young people or stabbing someone with a 10in knife is simply wrong.

That is essentially what we are seeing in some drill music, which can have tremendous reach.

To see the way in which murder and violence are almost showcased as a way to lure more young people into that way of life, to breed fear and spark yet more violence, is something none of us can allow to continue. Music, role models and social media have a hugely powerful and positive impact. Used in the wrong way the consequences can, quite literally, be deadly. The speed at which an online disagreement can escalate into violence is staggering.

That is why my officers will fully exploit any and all legislation. We are out there day and night arresting people, taking knives out of young people’s hands and offering them ways into an alternative lifestyle.

This is not something we the police can solve alone, but we will make sure we continue to do everything in our power. I would ask everyone – from the CEO of a global social media giant to people on our streets who know when violence is going to happen – can you honestly say you are doing everything in your power?

Recently, I have seen a really encouraging response from many companies, communities and young people themselves. There is growing sense of how all of us can, together, make our cities safer. Social media companies have a responsibility to be part of that and must act swiftly to stop this harmful material disseminating. I’m looking forward to working with them even more in the future.

Sadly, while we are arresting people and seizing knives and guns, my officers are also out there trying to save a young person as they lie bleeding in the street, or breaking a mother’s heart as they notify her that her son is dead or seriously injured. That human impact and senseless waste of life is not something that should ever be glamorised.