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The Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne TD, yesterday chaired the first meeting of a special subgroup of the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum which has been established to examine responses to knife crime.
The subgroup includes representatives of the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service, and members of youth justice and community safety bodies. The group will assess available evidence to inform policy on knife crime, with particular reference to effectiveness of proposals, to inform both legislation and community safety policies, programmes and practices.
Minister Browne said:
"I understand the concern which many people have over the carrying of knives and associated crime. Sadly, there have been a number of tragic incidents in recent times which have highlighted the fatal consequences which can arise when people carry knives.
"At present, there is a lack of robust, shared knowledge on ‘what works’ in reducing knife carrying and knife crime. This sub-group will play a key role in establishing the best approaches which can be taken to dealing with these issues.
"It is important that we examine our present approach to see if we can improve not only our legislation, but also what else we can do in terms of crime prevention and community based programmes. Rather than simply considering punitive approaches, it is important that we also consider more holistic, community-oriented approaches that deal with the underlying factors."
The first meeting received a presentation from the Department of Justice on existing data research and also heard contributions from group members on their experience of knife crime in their communities, the impact of criminal sanctions, and potential community responses which could be employed.
The Minister added:
"I am grateful to have the benefit of the knowledge, contribution and insight of members of the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum to support this important work. In particular, the group will try to clarify what evidence we have about knife crime in Ireland and identify any gaps in that knowledge. We will also look at the reasons why some people carry knives, and what can be done to change that behaviour.
"It is essential that any new measures we contemplate are based on facts and evidence. And while we can learn from experiences elsewhere we have to ensure that responses are tailored to our own domestic situation."
There is already a robust legal framework in place with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned. The maximum penalty in the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 for a conviction for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority was increased from one to five years in an amendment introduced via the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.
Research in the UK points to tougher sentencing, generally, not being seen as an effective strategy for reducing knife crime. Evidence also suggests that initiatives like amnesties, have, at best, a short term effect. Knife crime and knife carrying therefore requires a broader response beyond youth justice interventions, as such crimes can involve quite a broad age-range.
The department is currently conducting a review in relation to knife crimes, including sentencing and as well issues such as targeted interventions, awareness raising and community supports. This includes considering approaches adopted in other jurisdictions to reduce violent crime, including knife crime. The work of the subgroup will feed into this approach.
It is anticipated that the work of the subgroup will take approximately three months.
In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum was convened by Minister Browne in October last year and has worked on a range of issues, including community-based responses to be to the anti-social misuse of scramblers. This new sub-group of the Forum will examine the possibilities for improving the range of responses to knife crime.
Membership of the subgroup includes representatives of the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service, Le Chéile Mentoring and Youth Justice Support Services, Solas Project, Community Action Network, and the Dublin Community Safety Pilot.