The Scottish Police Federation is urging for strengthened stop-and-search powers to combat the issue of young people carrying knives. The federation argues that enhanced authority is necessary to proactively address and prevent knife crime.
Justice Secretary Neil Gray stated that the Scottish government fully supports police in taking "appropriate and proportionate action to safeguard public safety." He emphasized that "Stop and search is a valuable tool in combating crime and keeping people safe." Gray also noted ongoing collaboration with partners to tackle and prevent youth violence, particularly knife crime, through a combination of law enforcement, education, diversion, and mentoring programs.
Assistant Chief Constable Wendy Middleton described intelligence-led stop and search as a "valuable and effective policing tactic." She stressed that its application must adhere to legal, proportionate standards and the 2017 code of practice, which includes specific guidance for officers when stopping and searching children. Middleton added that all searches are subject to governance and review processes to ensure compliance with the code, confirming their lawfulness, necessity, and proportionality.