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.
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.
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.
