Government responses ineffectiveness

Question 1

No Knives, Better Lives

Answer 1

• Government campaigns such as No Knives, Better Lives have not been effective
• This is because there continues to be problems with knife crimes in Scotland. Knives are still being used to commit horrific crimes
• For example, James Wright, who had previous knife convictions, stabbed a father of 3 in Paisley. This clearly shows the government’s anti-knife crime campaigns are not enough

Question 2

Minimum Pricing Per Unit Act

Answer 2

• This has not been effective as crimes linked to alcohol are still linked. This is because many people have addictions to alcohol so simply increasing the price slightly will not deter them from drinking it. Instead they need professional help
• For example, 2/3rds of serious assaults are still committed while under the influence of alcohol

Question 3

Mentors in Violence Prevention

Answer 3

• Violent crimes amongst young people has still increased. This is because some mentors did not get support from school and community staff so entered the talks unprepared.
• For example, reports of violence in secondary schools in Scotland have increased from 2,728 in 2018/19 to 2,951 in 2021/22