Stop posting photos of knives on social media, police told
Emily Harle
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has called on the Metropolitan Police to stop posting images of confiscated knives and weapons on social media, after finding these can trigger fear among young people and cause some to locate more dangerous weapons to protect themselves.
The research, by London's VRU, commissioned by University College London, found that seeing images of knives and dangerous weapons posted by police on social media can have a detrimental effect on young people’s sense of safety.
According to Louisa Rolfe, assistant commissioner, at the Met Police, the force has historically shared these images to “highlight the work of our officers and their successful results".
She said: "This has helped to reassure communities that the Met is committed to targeting those carrying weapons and fuelling violence our streets.”
However, peer-led surveys and workshops conducted by London VRU’s Young People’s Action Group with 12-to 25-year-olds, found that more than half of the young people consulted felt unsafe, scared and worried after seeing images of knives posted online by police.
More than half of the young people asked also felt their families and communities would feel afraid or fearful after seeing such images.
Some young people also admitted they would be more likely to carry a knife after seeing images of confiscated weapons online.
One young person said: "If I see someone is carrying something horrific in my area and all I’m carrying is a flick knife…what do you think I’m gonna do?”
The research found that while there is little to suggest that viewing these images had an effect of young people’s attitudes towards knives, authors suggested this may be due to young people being desensitised to knife imagery. Researchers recommended further investigation to gather the views of young people who are already impacted by knife-carrying or violent crime.
The workshops carried out by the Young People’s Action Group further indicated that seeing images of confiscated knives or weapons can trigger knife-related trauma among some young people.
Jade Barnett, a member of the group, said: “Whilst the research showed there was little effect, what it does suggest and was backed up by surveys and workshops directly with young people, is that some young people - including myself - have been desensitised in relation to seeing images of knives.
“It’s worrying to know that young people see this as a normality. What the sessions with young people did uncover is that there is a negative impact, based around fear and trauma, for a small group of young people who are already too close to violence. Why would be want to seek to subject these young people to further trauma?”
In the workshops, young people added that they were supportive of police efforts to tackle violence and remove dangerous weapons, but there was an consensus that the police should focus on promoting the good work it does with communities and young people, rather than posting photos of confiscated weapons.
One young person said: “The Met constantly telling us there’s knives here just further normalises it as our reality.”
The VRU has urged the police to stop posting images of confiscated knives and weapons on social media due to the impact it has on some young people and wider communities.
The organisation and its Young People’s Action Group added that they are keen to work alongside the police to support other visual demonstrations of its work with young people and communities.
Young people involved in the research have set out a series of recommendations to shift the focus onto the police’s efforts to make communities safer, which include interviews with offices, and hosting events with young people.
Police forces in Thames Valley, South Yorkshire and the West Midlands have already adopted similar approaches, after deciding to stop posting images of confiscated knives on social media.
Lib Peck, director of London’s VRU, said: “Listening to the voices of young people is an integral part of our approach to tackling violence, which is rooted in prevention and early intervention.
“What is clear is that while, for the large majority of the young people we surveyed, there is little effect of seeing images of knives online, the impact for a smaller group of young people who may be affected by violence, is much more profound.
“Both the research and peer-led workshops and surveys demonstrated that our young people have become desensitised to seeing images on social media of large knives confiscated where they live. That really can’t be right or acceptable in society.
“We know that’s the exact opposite of what’s intended by the police who share our determination to tackle violence and make our communities safer for all Londoners. It’s important we listen to our young people and take action now to stop posting images.”
Rolfe added: “We value the involvement of young Londoners, on the important and ongoing debate around sharing images of knives on social media. We look forward to working with the Young People’s Action Group, to understand their recommendations and how it could affect our communications around knife-crime.
“We are an evidence-driven organisation, and that extends to the way in which we communicate with Londoners. We look forward to reviewing the results of this research and engaging with our communities, which will inform our approach moving forward.”
