Force introduces knife wands to all response vehicles
All response vehicles at Bedfordshire Police have been equipped with ‘knife wands’ – handheld metal detectors that can be used during searches to highlight if a person is carrying a knife.
Assistant Chief Constable Jackie Sebire said: “It’s been well documented that knife crime in Bedfordshire has increased, and it’s something we’re continuing to take seriously. The knife wands will allow our officers to quickly find out if someone is carrying a knife, and take appropriate action.
“Taking knives off the streets of Bedfordshire continues to be a priority for us. Carrying a knife is never acceptable and I hope the introduction of these knife wands proves to be a deterrent, and encourages young people to stop carrying a knife.”
Sixty knife wands have been purchased using an extra £1 million from a Home Office grant awarded to the force in April, specifically to tackle serious violence and knife crime.
