There have been 12 incidents of knife possession in Jersey’s schools over the past five years, according to new figures released by the Home Affairs Minister.
But no actual crimes involving threats or use of knives in schools were recorded between 2020 and 2024.
Deputy Mary Le Hegarat revealed the figures in response to a written question from Deputy Max Andrews.
Across the five-year period, the number of incidents of knife possession in the island’s schools ranged from one to four per year.
Of those, all but one involved an actual knife – one incident involved a plastic knife.
Outside of schools, however, 17 knife-related crimes involving young people were recorded between 2020 and 2024.
These included 11 offences linked to grave and criminal assault, one case of affray, and one attempted murder.
The annual total for such offences has been steady over the last three years, with three recorded each year between 2022 and 2024 – a drop from seven in 2020.
The average age of suspects involved in these offences was 15.
Despite these figures, the Minister said the data showed that Jersey “does not currently face a widespread knife problem” and remains a “safe place to live”.
New legislation – the Crime (Public Order) Law 2024 – was introduced in October to clamp down on the possession of knives in public.
It was described by police as “a preventative step to ensure the safety of our young people and the wider community”.
The force is also working with the Jersey Youth Service and schools to “engage with young people, raise awareness, and address the misconceptions around carrying weapons”.
Deputy Le Hegarat added: “The initiative encourages open dialogue in youth clubs, schools, and the community about the reasons behind carrying weapons and the risks involved.”
Last year, police confirmed that children had been suspects in over a third of all knife-related crimes in Jersey in 2024.