Merseyside Police UK Using Garrett Metal Detectors

Frontline Merseyside Police officers will now carry handheld metal detectors, or metal detecting wands, to target knife carriers and seize concealed weapons.

140 of these detectors have been distributed to Response and Resolution teams, Targeted Patrols, and the Matrix Road Policing Unit, funded by Operation Target—a force-wide effort to combat serious and violent crime.

These wands will support stop and search powers, helping remove weapons from Merseyside streets and form part of the force’s preventative approach to reducing crime and harm.

Notably, Merseyside has seen a 13% reduction in knife crime and a 9% reduction in serious violence this fiscal year, with hotspot areas experiencing a 25% drop in serious violent crime compared to the same period in 2022.

Over the past year, Merseyside Police made 229 arrests for knife-related offences and seized 1,088 knives from the streets.

It’s important to note that these wands complement physical searches, serving as screening tools during lawful and justified searches of arrested individuals.

Chief Inspector Colin Dyer, Response and Resolution, emphasises the significance of this investment, stating, “These 140 metal detecting wands in our response vehicles enhance our stop and search capabilities and act as a deterrent to those considering carrying a knife.”

Superintendent Phil Mullally, Lead for Serious Violence and Knife Crime, stresses that carrying a knife is never acceptable. The use of these wands is part of broader efforts to combat knife crime and make it more challenging for individuals to conceal and employ weapons in Merseyside.