An initiative granting new powers to tackle knife crime and serious violence is to be trialled by police.

Sussex Police is set to introduce the use of serious violence reduction orders(Svros), which will come into effect from Wednesday, April 19.

The orders will be placed on specific people, similar to a behavioural order, and allow officers to stop and search them for knives or weapons.

If an offender breaches the order then they may receive an unlimited fine or be jailed for up to two years.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “I welcome the Svro pilot in Sussex as an additional instrument for the police to use to identify, challenge and hopefully change behaviours of known knife and weapon carriers.

“Whilst early intervention, successful working with partners and effective support remain vital for those who have been exploited in criminal gangs, additional powers such as allowing police to stop and search prolific, high-risk offenders subject to a Svro, could help our communities to be safer places for everyone.

“I will be monitoring the effectiveness of this pilot and receiving regular progress updates from the chief constable.”

MOST READ:

Other police forces selected for the trial include Merseyside, Thames Valley and West Midlands police.

The orders can be used for any offender who is over the age of 18 and will last between six months and two years.

Sussex Police force lead for Op Safety, Chief Inspector Simon Yates said: “Being selected to be one of four forces to pioneer this new scheme is testament to the successful work already being done in Sussex to combat knife crime and serious violence.

“Please be assured, just because Sussex has been selected as one of the force areas to pilot this new scheme, our county remains a safe place to live. Our officers who will be serving the orders will have completed a training package from the College of Policing.

“The pilot will be evaluated using different measures including the use of Svros, reoffending, and the outcome for offenders who are subject to a Svro.”