Pursue Pillar
Enforcement and investigative activity that targets offenders and disrupts criminal networks.
Overview
The Pursue pillar addresses the enforcement and investigation activities that bring offenders to justice and disrupt criminal networks involved in knife crime. This includes the full range of police powers for stop and search, arrest, and seizure of weapons, as well as investigation techniques for building successful prosecutions. Pursue activity also targets the supply chains that bring prohibited weapons into communities, including online sales and cross-border importation.
Articles
Summary of Commander Stephen Clayman's independent review into online knife sales, commissioned following the Southport attack. The review examines age verification failures, grey market sales, delivery loopholes, and makes eight recommendations for reform including a knife retailer licensing scheme.
Evidence base
Guidance
Offences and Powers - Private Places
The limited legal framework for knife possession in private places, focusing on prohibited weapons which are the only type unlawful in private settings.
Legislation
Prohibited Weapons List
Complete list of weapons prohibited under CJA 1988 s.141 and related legislation, including recent additions and exemptions.
Legislation
Offences and Powers - Custodial Settings
An overview of knife and weapon offences and enforcement powers applicable in prisons, young offender institutions, and other custodial settings.
Legislation
Offences and Powers - Public Places
An overview of the relevant offences and powers relating to knives applicable to officers on the street.
Legislation
Identification of weapons
Evidential identification of weapons can be completed by an officer. An expert witness is not required.
Investigation
Resources
Independent End-to-End Review of Online Knife Sales (Clayman Review)
Commander Stephen Clayman's independent review of online knife sales, commissioned by the Home Office and published in January 2025. The review examines the sale and delivery process for knives obtained online, covering UK retailers, overseas sellers, grey market activity, age verification, delivery practices, social media platforms, and regulatory gaps. It makes eight key recommendations including a knife retailer registration scheme, stronger age verification requirements, and the creation of a 'prohibited person' concept.
Evidence base
CPS Knife and Other Weapons Offences - Prosecution Guidance
The Crown Prosecution Service's comprehensive guidance for prosecutors on knife and weapons offences. Covers charge selection, available offences (summary and either way), mandatory minimum sentences, sentencing, ancillary orders, and includes detailed definitions of all prohibited weapons including zombie knives, ninja swords, flick knives and more. Essential reference for understanding how knife crime cases are prosecuted.
External Links
Legislation
County Lines Programme Evaluation 2025
Government evaluation of the County Lines Programme (January 2020 to January 2025). The evaluation found the Programme led to a 25% reduction in hospital admissions for stabbings in exporter areas, preventing approximately 672 hospitalisations per year. Demonstrates the effectiveness of targeting county lines networks in reducing serious knife-related harm.
External Links
Evidence base
House of Commons Library - Knives, Offensive Weapons and Serious Violence
Comprehensive House of Commons Library briefing on the law relating to knives and offensive weapons. Covers the legal framework including prohibited weapons, possession offences, mandatory minimum sentences, stop and search powers, Knife Crime Prevention Orders, Serious Violence Reduction Orders, and recent legislative changes including the Crime and Policing Bill. Essential reading for understanding the full scope of knife crime legislation.
External Links
Legislation
Ninja sword - template identification statement
A template MG11 for officer identification of a ninja sword
Investigation