The Legislation introduced as of 24th September 2024 to make it an imprisonable offence to own, make, transport or sell zombie-style knives and machetes in the UK is welcome news. In the year ending March 2023, there were 50,500 offences involving a sharp instrument in England and Wales, and it’s been on an upward trend over the last few years. But legislation can only do so much to reduce the number of knives on our streets and ensure the public are kept safe.
In the event of a knife attack in a public space, lockdown procedures and emergency response plans often lack clear, effective communication. People don’t know what action to take during a panicked situation, and they might be unaware of where the threat is coming from. A mass communication system that can provide instant, concise instructions to people during an incident is crucial for their safety.
Full coverage utilising a combination of sound, screen and mobile devices with clear, concise and calm emergency messages ensures that everyone is made aware of a threat. Additionally, if different messages or instructions can be sent immediately to different areas of a venue or building all at the same time, people can be directed quickly towards exits or safe areas that are the closest to them. Legislation can play a positive role in reducing knife crime, but technology can really help to minimise casualties in most dangerous situations
