Express & Star

Metal-detecting 'wands' for police officers welcomed by MPs

The introduction of metal-scanning wands for frontline police to help reverse the steep rise in knife crime has been roundly welcomed by MPs from across the political divide.

Published
Last updated
West Midland Police force's latest crime-fighting weapon

Officers carrying out stop and search exercises will be able to identify knives quicker and more efficiently with the new devices.

David Jamieson, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, has also given his seal of approval to the equipment, more commonly used by security officers at public venues.

The £8,000 investment has been funded through the force's Asset Recovery Fund, which comprises money seized from criminals.

Pat McFadden supports the new knife detectors

Pat McFadden, Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East, said: "I welcome anything that can help the police crack down on the very real problem of knife crime in the community. If this equipment can play a role, it's a good thing.

"Knife crime is a huge problem and I think it should be a priority for both the police and the government."

James Morris, Conservative MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis, agreed. He said: “These devices will hopefully go some way to combating the current rise in knife crime we’ve seen in the West Midlands.

"Carrying a knife is never acceptable and this will empower police officers to be able to take more knives off our streets.

"We also need to properly look at the many various and complicated reasons why some people feel it necessary to carry a dangerous weapon.”

Hand-held metal detectors are currently used in West Midlands Police custody blocks when booking in people who have been arrested and also during dedicated operations but this is the first time response teams will be routinely equipped with knife wands.

An officer shows the force's latest crime-fighting weapon

Chief Superintendent Chris Todd, the West Midlands' lead on stop and search, said the wands would not be a replacement for a thorough personal search of suspects as they would only detect metallic weapons.

Metal-detecting wands are routinely used by door security staff at nightclubs, checking supporters entering football stadiums and visitors to music festivals and other large-scale events.

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner welcomed the move. Mr Jamieson said: "Sadly, knife crime has increased by 75 per cent since 2012. It means police are spending more and more time tackling the problem.

"As such, it is important hard working officers have the tools to do the job we expect of them.

"That is why I’m fully behind the decision to purchase these knife wands using money seized from criminals. These knife wands will help the police to keep us all safe."