The stabbing has led to a review of security arrangements amid calls for stricter measures at MP surgeries and offices. Despite this, some MPs have struck a cautious note, raising concerns that extra security measures could take them further away from the public.
A similar debate was taking place at Hillingdon youth offending service (YOS) at the time of the murder of 18-year-old Hakim Sillah at a knife awareness course held at the council’s civic centre (see analysis). An independent review into the fatal knife attack by a 17-year-old who was also attending the course concluded that the killing would likely have been prevented if there was a weapons detection system in place at the building.
The debate over tighter security at Hillingdon YOS had been prompted by a previous incident, but some staff were concerned it could undermine the trust they have with young people. In the end, the YOS decided a knife arch was in the best interests of young people and staff.
The results of CYP Now’s freedom of information (FoI) request to councils suggests Hillingdon is not the only area to have discussed the use of weapons detection systems. But, so far, just three in 10 councils that responded to the FoI have introduced measures at YOS premises.
Many say it is not a problem in their area and point to the fact that there have only been a handful of volent incidents recorded at YOS premises in the past three years. Yet, there are worrying signs that knife carrying is becoming entrenched, leading to more incidents of serious youth violence across England (see special report).
The review called for the creation of a national approach to weapons detection systems, yet the Youth Justice Board seems content for the decision on whether to use knife detectors to rest with local agencies.
At the very least, Hakim’s death should prompt an urgent debate about whether a national policy on the use of weapons detection systems is needed. This could address practitioners’ concerns over the impact on relationships with young people and look for solutions. Hillingdon may have already come up with the answer: it requires all visitors to the YOS offices – whether a young person or professional – to undergo a search. This removes the stigma and puts everyone on the same footing.
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Derren Hayes is editor of Children & Young People Now derren.hayes@markallengroup.com
