THE INTERNATIONAL APPROACH TO KNIFE CRIME: AN INVESTIGATIVE STUDY TO ASSIST THE UK RESPONSE

Violent crime is an increasing occurrence within the UK, predominantly due to the involvement of knives, resulting in a significant impact on urban and rural communities. There were 37,443 recorded knife offences; a 21% annual rise, within the September 2017 Crime Survey of England and Wales. Personal forensic laboratory casework experience has undertaken the examination of varied offences including: terrorism, sexual assaults, cold-case reviews, armed robberies, murder, wildlife crime and aggravated burglaries for bladed weapons.

There were 37,443 recorded knife offences; a 21% annual rise, within the September 2017 Crime Survey of England and Wales. The resultant multi-agency response to such demands is at a critical level, influencing a 7% increase in knife related hospital admissions. Other countries have reported similar experiences.

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust enables British citizens to visit other countries for a pertinent cause for concern, via a Travel Fellowship. Each project targets a particular situation with the intention of yielding improvements and inspiring others. Upon the return to the UK, the new knowledge will be disseminated to peers and with organisations in the related subject sector. This 2018 Churchill Fellowship aims to form best practices to assist the UK approach to knife crime by researching the international response.

It is envisaged that insights into police strategies, novel research developments, laboratory procedures and crime scene processing will benefit the UK response. This will be achieved by approaching academic institutions, forensic science facilities and state/province/federal police forces within both Australia and Canada to interact with researchers, investigators and practitioners.

Ultimately, this unique opportunity aims to create a dual legacy, in reducing injuries and preventing offences, whilst aiding detections and convictions. This presentation will therefore be of interest to those operating in international Criminal Justice Systems.