[user104658]

Originally Posted by Cherie

okay make it a stop and search with concent then, you are assuming people wouldn't give their consent, Germyle consented yesterday and you cut him down, saying oh you say that now etc etc... pretty sure most people living in an area where knife crime is prevalent would give consent, no body seems to have an issue with the privacy being invaded when they are off on their jollies, it's more like get it done, where's the bar

It's not exactly consent if there are obvious implications to refusing though, is it?

"Excuse me sir, can I search you for illegal items?"

"No."

"OH then I assume you ARE carrying illegal items "



I agree with the above; much harsher penalties for those who are caught, combined with searches if there is good reason to suspect someone is carrying a weapon (like it's been spotted, or a tip-off), would make a far better deterrent than random stop and searches.