Use scan and search for carnival, says Tory running for mayor

NOTTING Hill Carnival-goers will face new security screening under plans put forward today by Shaun Bailey, the Conservative London mayoral candidate, to tackle the capital’s knife crime epidemic.

Mr Bailey says he will introduce “scan-and-search” technology for big events across London as a “non-invasive” alternative to conventional stop-and-search techniques.

While police officers are making progress in tackling London’s violent crime, Mr Bailey, a former youth worker who acted as an adviser to David Cameron, says that Sadiq Khan’s strategy to tackle crime is failing.

He points to the carnival, which this weekend has been forced to go “virtual” due to the pandemic, as an example of where the deployment of scan-and-search technology would help drive down crime.

Since 2016, more than 200 people attending the event have been arrested for carrying weapons.

Under Mr Bailey’s proposals, police officers will be equipped with the latest scanning technology, which will be used to screen members of the public as they enter venues. The Home Office has already trialled body scanners in several London railway stations, which involves passengers being screened from up to 30ft away without them having to pass through a security checkpoint.

A number of companies are developing the technology, which relies on thermal imaging to identify objects hidden inside clothing.

It is hoped that scan and search will not only improve detection rates for weapons, but also help to address concerns that young black men are being disproportionately targeted.

Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph, Mr Bailey said: “Under Sadiq Khan, knife crime is an epidemic. And events like Notting Hill Carnival have suffered as a result.

“As mayor, I’ll introduce scan and search at big events – a non-invasive way of scanning hundreds of people simultaneously for weapons.

“Removing the physical aspect of a search makes a huge difference. It means police can make our streets safer while improving relations with underrepresented communities.

“The only reason this hasn’t been rolled out across London is a lack of political will.”

Meanwhile, a new poll found that 50 per cent of respondents believe Mr Khan is doing a bad job of reducing crime and making the capital safer, compared to 22 per cent who say he is doing a good job. The survey of 1,026 people by YouGov also showed that 45 per cent of respondents disagree with Mr Khan’s decision to outline almost £110million in policing cuts in June.