Sussex Police to trial Serious Violence Reduction Order

Sussex will be one of four police forces taking part in the trial, alongside Thames Valley, West Midlands and Merseyside.

The two year trial is aimed at tackling knife crime and serious violence and begins on Wednesday 19 April.

It sees the introduction of Serious Violence Reduction Orders (SVROs), courts will be able to issue a SVRO providing the person is at least 18 years-old and is convicted of carrying a knife or bladed article.

It's hoped SVROs will make it easier for police to search high-risk offenders for weapons. 

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.”

Sussex Police & 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.”