Anti-Weapon/Knife Crime Assembly

Schools PACK POSTER – For displaying throughout the whole school, highlights the main messages of the anti-weapon/knife crime strategy. PARENT LEAFLET – Contains facts on the law, weapons and highlights how parents can play their part too. CERTIFICATE – Demonstrates to all school visitors that your school is saying no to weapons and taking a zero tolerance approach to make a safer community. LETTER TO PARENTS – This makes all families aware of the anti-weapon rules within school and parents/pupils can sign the agreement to show they understand the rules. LESSONS – Primary 7 will receive some lessons on anti-weapon/knife crime which will look at - the Law the consequences of carrying a knife keeping safe in various risky situations Further lessons are being developed for Early to Middle Stages & Secondary 2 to 4 PLEDGE – #lifenotknife Aberdeen City Council want young people to pledge 1. to never carry a weapon and 2. share information on weapon/knife crime.

AIMS of school pack To highlight weapon/knife crime & the consequences of carrying a weapon To raise awareness about types of situations that can lead to violence

The Law Criminal law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 Any person who without lawful authority, or reasonable excuse has with him/her in a public place, any offensive weapon commits an offence Lawful authority - Police Officer with baton, soldier with rifle Reasonable excuse -Carpet Fitter, Joiner or Butcher with knife whilst working

Weapons An offensive weapon includes any article:- Made, for example swords, batons, knuckle dusters or Adapted for use of causing injury to the person, for example metal comb with sharpened handle, golf ball with nails Intended by the person having it with them for such use either by themselves or by some other person for example golf club, baseball bat or kitchen knife

CONSEQUENCES If you are caught with a weapon you will be charged and reported. You may also be fined or imprisoned for up to 4 years or both. The court will normally order the weapon to be destroyed. Other consequences of carrying a knife are: injured by your own weapon death

At school If you take a weapon to school the following will happen – You will be taken to your Head Teacher Your parents/carers will be called Police Scotland will be called You will have to hand over the weapon which will be locked away until the Police arrive If you choose to hide the weapon or not hand it over, Police Scotland will be called to search you. This will add to the seriousness of the incident. Your Head Teacher will decide if you should be excluded Police Scotland will charge you and decide on your next steps

searches School Powers of Search If school staff believe you are carrying a weapon/knife your Head Teacher can search your personal belongings with your consent. Police Powers of Search If you do not give your consent Police Scotland will be informed and they will carry out a search on you and your belongings. With reasonable grounds Police Scotland may enter school premises without warrant and search the premises and any person found on the premises for knives, offensive weapons and specifically listed martial arts weapons.

What can you do? You have a responsibility for keeping yourself and others safe. If you are aware of someone who carries a weapon/knife what could you do? Make a responsible decision Share information with someone you trust – teacher, youth club leader, Police Scotland, Crimestoppers If you SEE IT or HEAR IT then SHARE IT

Pledge – #lifenotknife In early 2017 pupils can play their part by signing up to the pledge #lifenotknife. This pledge has two main messages; - Never carry weapons Play your part and share information See it/Hear it/Share it You can play your part in making a safer community by pledging to never carry a weapon and to share information. Pledge Launch Date – 28th February 2017