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A new law making it illegal to carry an offensive weapon on school premises or in public is set to come into force in Jersey tomorrow – bringing the island in line with current UK legislation.
Under the previous law, it was not illegal to carry a bladed or sharply pointed article on school premises, and prosecutors needed to prove intent to harm in public settings.
But the new Crime (Public Order) (Jersey) Law 2024 will make it an offence to carry any offensive weapon without reasonable excuse in public or on school premises.
Pictured: There have been 25 recorded knife crimes this year to date, according to the States of Jersey Police.
The new legislation will come into force on 18 October 2024, and also introduces statutory offences related to public order.
These changes will bring local laws in line with the UK’s Prevention of Crime Act 1953 and Criminal Justice Act 1988.
It comes one year after then-Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles proposed a major overhaul of the Jersey's public order legislation.
At the time, she described the current law as "outdated", and said that it did "not cater for modern day offences".
The States of Jersey Police said that, whilst Jersey does not currently face a widespread knife problem, the new legislation aims to address this issue proactively and ensure the island stays ahead of potential risks.
There have been 25 recorded knife crimes this year to date.
Pictured: Police said that this new legislation aims to address knife crime issues proactively and ensure the island stays ahead of potential risks.
David Bowler, Sergeant of the Community Policing Team at SOJP, said: “The new law is a preventative step to ensure the safety of our young people and the wider community.
“I also encourage parents to engage young people in conversations on this topic.
“There are a range of resources and support available including Parent Talk from Action for Children, on-island support can be accessed at the NSPCC.”
Police will also be working with the Jersey Youth Service and schools using the Building A Safer Community (BASC) framework to engage with young people, raise awareness, and address the misconceptions around carrying weapons.
Express last year spoke to Police Chief Robin Smith about knife crime, riots and other public safety issues in an episode of Bailiwick Podcasts.
Listen to the interview below or search 'Bailiwick Podcasts' on your favourite podcast provider...
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