Police already have ‘extensive’ stop-and-search powers, says John Swinney

John Swinney has said police already have “extensive” stop-and-search powers, in response to calls for them to be extended to crack down on knife violence among young people.

The First Minister appeared to rebuff suggestions that police should be given wider remits to stop and search youths suspected of carrying weapons.

The Scottish Police Federation’s general secretary, David Kennedy, said it is currently difficult to establish “reasonable cause” for searching under-16s.

His calls were echoed by the Scottish Conservatives, who said there have been 13 alleged knife attacks on teenagers in recent months – two of which were fatal.

During a by-election campaign event in Hamilton on Monday, Mr Swinney was asked if he agreed with the suggestion.

He told the PA news agency: “There’s extensive search powers available to Police Scotland already, which can be used in circumstances where they have reasonable belief that a knife may be being carried, or there’s a reason for a search.”

He said Section 60 powers also allow searches in “open spaces” where there is a justification for doing so, adding: “I think there are powers available for the police to act, I trust the police to act in the public interest.”

Asked if the Government’s current strategy is working in light of recent events, he said it would focus on three steps – educating young people on the dangers of knives, police searches of people who they think may be carrying a knife and punishment of those caught with weapons.

Mr Swinney added: “I will constantly be looking to make sure Scotland is as safe a country as we possibly can be.

“We’re a much safer country today than we were in the past. We’ve got huge falls in knife crime over the last 15 years.

“But that mustn’t in any way stop us from looking for means of making our country ever more safe.”

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay had earlier said there is a “growing epidemic” of youth violence.

He said: “Stop-and-search powers need to be extended immediately while a fundamental rethink is required of the SNP’s weak approach which fails victims and fuels violence.

“John Swinney should listen to frontline officers who know how to get this crisis under control and prevent more young lives being needlessly lost.”

Last week Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell made a “clear plea” to everyone in Scotland – saying “do not carry weapons”.

On the preceding weekend 16-year-old Kayden Moy died following an attack on Irvine beach, North Ayrshire.

Two other teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with his death.