Ensuring the safety of students and staff in schools is a top priority, and the introduction of knife arches in UK schools and colleges has become a topic of considerable debate. Knife arches, or walkthrough metal detectors, are increasingly being considered necessary in schools across the UK to prevent violence and maintain a secure environment.
The Numbers
In the UK in 2023 there were about 50,000 incidents involving sharp instruments in England and Wales. In the same year there were just over 19,000 cautions and convictions made for the possession of a knife or blade. Of those, 18% were of school age meaning that they were, or should have been, students at their local school.
The 2023 Children, Violence and Vulnerability Survey found that 4% of 13 – 17 year olds admitted to carrying a weapon in the last 12 months. This would equate to 140,000 children across England & Wales.
In 2023, in London alone, 18 teenagers were stabbed to death.
Adoption by educational Institutions
Walkthrough metal detectors and in schools and Further Education institutions are not as recent a development as you would think. As early as 2009 an Ofstead report showed that 7 colleges and used knife detection wands and 6 used knife arches. (https://www.schoolbus.co.uk/news/featured-article/ofsted-data-reveals-colleges-in-london-use-knife-arches-and-detection-wands/7270)
Over the years, the trend of incorporating knife arches into schools has been ramping up with numerous locations across the country deploying units including Milton Keynes, Torquay, Birmingham, Basingstoke, Reading, Oxford, Amersham, Redhill, Andover and more.
This list is not exhaustive and is being added to continuously as more and more education providers integrate walkthrough metal detectors into their standard operating procedures.
How do knife arches prevent stabbings in schools?
The primary goal of installing knife arches is prevention. These devices are effective in detecting metal objects, including knives, as students enter the premises. The visible presence of knife arches can discourage students from attempting to bring weapons to school, thus reducing the risk of potential violence. Furthermore, the routine use of these devices can normalize security checks, creating a culture of safety and vigilance within the school community.
How effective are Knife Arches in the UK?
Knife Arches have proven to be very effective in combating violent and sharp instrument related incidents. Operation California launched by the Lincolnshire police was shown to reduce violent crime by 47%.
In their recent publication on solving knife crime, the College of Policing recommend the use of knife arches as a preventative tool and stated that they “may reduce overall severity of violent injury”.
According to former Bedfordshire Knife Crime Lead, Supt Juliette Everett, “Knife arches are being accepted in Bedfordshire schools and are proving an effective deterrent”. This was in the context of walkthrough metal detectors in UK schools used as a deterrent top reduce the the rise of exclusions due to knife incidents.
During Operation Sceptre in 2023, a national anti-knife crime campaign, Knife Arches were deployed in conjunction with with other activites which together resulted in 9,737 knives removed from the streets and 1,693 people arrested, of which 829 were related to knife crime offences according to the NPCC.
How are walkthrough metal detectors viewed by schools communities?
Response to the deployment of knife arches at a school is generally positive. In London, they found that using walkthrough metal detectors increased “felling more reassured” amongst pupils by 79% . The popularity of devices in schools in recent years is such that even politicians have begun promising funding for schools to buy knife arches as part of their campaigns.
Knife Arches are often used in conjunction with other methods such as knife education and knife surrendering programs either launched by local police or the schools themselves.
Should I get a knife are for my school or college?
Deciding whether or not getting a school walkthrough metal detector for your college or educational institution depends on the threat level on-site.
It is always best to consult a security or police professional when making these kinds of decision.
If you would like to speak to a knife arch UK expert, please call 01722 444 983.
