The tragic death of 15-year-old Amen Teklay, who was stabbed with a sword in March last year, has highlighted a disturbing trend in youth violence that is gripping Scotland. The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) has expressed its deep concern over the limitations placed on police officers' stop-and-search capabilities, which they claim are hampering their ability to prevent such tragedies.
The plea for stronger search powers follows the recent High Court decision in Glasgow where two teenagers were acquitted of Teklay's murder. This verdict has reignited debate about the impact of a 2017 law change that abolished non-statutory stop-and-search powers and replaced them with an intelligence-led approach based on 'reasonable grounds'. SPF General Secretary David Kennedy argues that this shift led to officers becoming increasingly reactive rather than proactive in preventing crime.
Kennedy pointed out that previous statistics may have influenced the decision to remove the earlier powers, stating that targets can often lead to pressure on officers to conduct searches incorrectly. As a result, he believes that restoring effective search powers and re-establishing a strong police presence in communities are essential steps towards preventing youth violence.
While Kennedy acknowledged the need for balanced policing and expressed support for education and diversion programmes aimed at reducing youth offending, he also reiterated calls for easier access to firearms for officers. He cited the 2022 Skye shootings as an example of a situation where quicker action could have prevented harm. However, this stance has sparked concerns about potential over-reliance on force.
The family of Amen Teklay, who was deeply affected by his loss, expressed hope that the trial's outcome would prompt reflection and preventative measures to combat youth violence in Scotland. Justice Secretary Neil Gray reaffirmed the government's support for police to take 'proportionate action' and recognised stop-and-search as an essential tool in preventing crime.