Metal Dectectors In London Tube & Train

[sher_panjabi]

Crackdown on knives

Written by Paula

Monday, 24 April 2006

THE fight against knife attacks is stepping up a gear. Police have been targeting transport hubs using an airport-style metal detector. If the detector bleeps, officers search passengers to see if they are carrying a weapon.

At Stockwell Tube station last week 205 people were asked to walk through the arch. One blade was seized and five people were found with drugs. The blitz is part of Operation Shield - a task force targeting knife crime across the capital.

Speaking about the crack-down, British Transport Police Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Shananhan said: "We need to stop people carrying knives and this task force is a positive way of achieving our goal. "It won't be easy but these operations will make a difference.

"If people know they cannot carry a weapon without the fear of coming face-to-face with one of our officers they may think twice. "Young men are the worst offenders. "They are most likely to carry weapons and therefore use them.

"Some people say they carry a knife because they are afraid of street crime or have in the past been a victim.

"But that is no excuse at all. If you are carrying a knife you are probably breaking the law. "The simple message is don't do it."

In Britain, a knife crime is committed every 25 minutes and 80 per cent of attackers are aged between 12 and 20. In a recent MORI poll 29 per cent of secondary school pupils admitted carrying a blade.

DCI Shananhan added: "We pick up people for other things as well when we use the arch detector. "People who carry knives are often wanted by us for other crimes. "That could be drugs offences or even fare dodging on the transport network."

Link

Can Sangat please email or write to their MP to find out whether Sikhs will be safeguarded by these metal detectors and that security staff will be trained. Rab Na Kare, that Gursikhs are stopped and asked to remove Kirpaans on tubes and trains because we did get appropriate feedback and response in early stages of the decision.

You can find out who your MP is from the link below:

Write to your MP

bhul chuk maaf.

[GurSa Singh]

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

You can send a direct e-mail to them from this web link. It's as easy as that!!!

[sher_panjabi]

Just found out that in West Midlands metal dectectors have also been introduced at New Street Station.

News Article:

http://news.billinge.com/1/hi/england/west...nds/4926246.stm

[sher_panjabi]

Possible template letter you can copy and paste:

Dear [MP NAME],

I am contacting you in regards to metal detectors being introduced on the London Underground. I am a practising Sikh who wears a Kirpan (a ceremonial sword) which is an article of faith, part of the 5K's Sikh uniform. I am concerned about how these metal detectors in the London Underground and also some train stations (such as New Street station, Birmingham) will affect me and fellow Sikhs.

Legally Sikhs are permitted to wear the Kirpan and practice their faith freely in accordance to the Criminal Justice Act 1988. However, from past experience it is evident that security staff is not always aware of Sikhs, never mind the Kirpan. However, after explaining about the Kirpan the problem is usually overcome. But it is unnecessary hassle and inconvenience, which can be easily avoided with appropriate training.

I request you to please find out how the metal detectors being used by the London Transport will affect Sikhs and whether the London Transport staff and police have received guidelines and training on Sikhs travelling on the Underground, and whether the legal right to wear the Kirpan will be safeguarded.

Please reply back with a response.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

[Davinder]

Just found out that in West Midlands metal dectectors have also been introduced at New Street Station.

News Article:

http://news.billinge.com/1/hi/england/west...nds/4926246.stm

Khalsa Fateh

I asked a copper bout that..he sed its ok to wear a kirpan on the tube jus tell em u wearin a kirpaan and they'll let u go...but make sure its not over 9 inches long....he sed 9" is already pushin it as 8.5" is already the limit but theyll allow 9.

Fateh

[Khalsa Fauji]

Gurfateh!!

Is that 9" for the blade or the entire length??

Gurfateh!!

[Davinder]

Gurfateh!!

Is that 9" for the blade or the entire length??

Gurfateh!!

Fateh

Me being an <banned word filter activated> i forgot to ask him that but i assume its the blade...dnt tek my wrd on that tho!

Fateh

[munjoth]

just out of interest what is the law on the kirpan size?? im confused, is it 9 inches or 6 inches ?? plz tell me :lol: @

[Davinder]

just out of interest what is the law on the kirpan size?? im confused, is it 9 inches or 6 inches ?? plz tell me :lol: @

Fateh

As i sed before the limit is 8.5" but the copper told me that its not a big deal if its 9"

Fateh

[sher_panjabi]

Guru Pyaario,

There is NO limit on the Kirpaan for Amritdharis. As long as you can justify that you wearing it for religious reasons.

One policeman said to me, "I wouldn't stop any Sikh if I saw a Kirpaan. Doesn't matter if he is holding a 3ft Kirpan as long as his intention is not to frighten people and is carrying it with religious intentions. I would only be worried and take action if he got the sword out of the sheath and put it to my throat" (this police officer was very friendly and had knowledge on Sikhi).

The only limits on size are on the following:

- Airport Staff (3 inches - but I think its been reduced to 2 and half inches).

- High Court in London (4 inches)

- Normal Court (6 inches)

In court if you are nice enough they allow you to wear a bigger Kirpan (e.g. 11 inches) but then they will most likely kindly escort you to your destination (i.e. wherever you want to go).

As Sikhs we should AVOID from putting limitations on our Kakkaars. Sadly the limitations on the Siri Sahib in High Court was SUGGESTED by a Sikh! Waheguru.

And another Benti - If anyone ever asks you to take off your Kirpaan (like Madame Tasaud's did with Fauja Singh Ji (the runner)) then don't take it off! Fauja Singh turned away and said he's not interested if they are not going to let him in. If one person compromises Kirpaan Rehit then security will say "If X Singh can take it off nilly willy the why can't you." This advice was also given at a meeting with the Met Police and Sikh community held at Scotland Yard.

For further info on the legality of the Kirpaan in UK please contact United Sikhs:

unitedsikhs-uk@unitedsikhs.org