Serious Violence Reduction Orders
Merseyside Police is one of four forces to trial Serious Violence Reduction Orders (SVROs) from April 2023, to tackle knife crime and violent offending. The pilot will run for two years.
An SVRO is a civil order that can be placed on someone who has been convicted of an offence that involved a bladed item or offensive weapon.
Someone who has an SVRO can be stopped in public spaces by the police and searched to find out if they’re carrying a bladed item or offensive weapon.
The police can request that a court grant an SVRO. They need to provide evidence to the court to explain why an order is required.
SVROs are issued for a fixed period of time. The court will decide how long, but they’re issued for a minimum of six months and maximum of two years.
An SVRO stop and search
If someone is stopped in public by the police so they can be searched, the officer will ask them to confirm their identity and if they have an SVRO.
Watch the video below to find out more about an SVRO stop and search.
Find out more about what happens during a Stop and Search
What we need you to do
SVROs will be used and targeted at those individuals who persist in unlawfully carrying knives or offensive weapons. Find out more about SVROs.
If you have any information about individuals carrying weapons, please get in touch with Merseyside Police. You can report any concerns to the police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101 or our social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC.
You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org