ANYONE caught carrying a knife in public faces a jail term of up to four years if proposed changes to the firearms laws are approved by the States.

And the police will also get new powers to enter schools and search youngsters for knives and blades without a warrant if the legislation tabled in the name of former Home Affairs Minister Wendy Kinnard is accepted.

Officers will still need the permission of the head teacher unless the circumstances are exceptional.
At present the maximum jail term is two years, and under current legislation the police have difficulty in securing convictions for people carrying knives in public as the ‘intent to injure’ must be proved.

The draft law contains provisions that will make the carrying of knives or offensive weapons in public without lawful authority or reasonable excuse an offence. The law applies to folding pocket knives that have a blade with a cutting edge of longer than three inches. It also applies to any implement that has a blade or a sharp point.