The #LifeOrKnife campaign (sometimes referred to as "Knife or Life") is a West Midlands Police (WMP) initiative designed to educate young people, parents, and teachers about the devastating consequences of carrying a knife.
It provides information on where to report or talk to someone about knives and where you can anonymously dispose of them.
It also includes lots of information on the devastating impact knives can have on you and others, guidance on how to talk to your child about knives, and resources that can be used in schools.
The #lifeorknife campaign, which has been informed by the region’s schoolchildren, teachers, police officers, doctors, paramedics and members of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Youth Commission, encourages children to talk about knife crime with parents, teachers and peers.
Signs you might want to talk to your child about knife crime
If they have become withdrawn from the family and school, changed their behaviour, achievement or school attendance.
If they might have lost interest in hobbies and old friends and now hang around with a new group, staying out late and being vague about where they go.
If they have become secretive and defensive, particularly about what’s in their bag and might even told you that they need to carry a knife.
If you’ve noticed knives are missing from the house or may even have found one in your child’s bag or coat.
These things seem easily explained as part of the difficult teenage years, but it’s still important to talk to them about knife crime.
Core Message & Impact
The campaign's central theme is that choosing to carry a knife is a choice between two life-altering paths:
The Victim: One life can be taken in seconds.
The Offender: Carrying or using a knife can lead to a "life sentence" in prison.
The Families: Families on both sides are "sentenced" to a life of grief and trauma.
Key Resources & Actions
Weapon Surrender Bins: WMP provides safe, anonymous locations to dispose of knives across the region, including Birmingham, Sandwell, and Wolverhampton.
Real Stories: The campaign uses powerful testimonials, such as #LetMeTellYouAboutRonan, the story of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda who was fatally stabbed in a case of mistaken identity.
Guidance for Parents: The Life Or Knife website offers a 10-step guide on how to talk to children about knives, including signs to look out for, such as becoming secretive or changing social circles.
Anonymous Reporting: Young people can report concerns 100% anonymously through the Fearless platform.
School Packs: "Off-the-shelf" lesson plans and school packs are available for teachers to facilitate classroom discussions.
Direct Warning: Highlights current stabbings or local crime data.
Parental Advice: Encourages parents to "have the chat" and listen without judgment.
Safety Excuses: Suggests "code words" or excuses children can use to walk away from dangerous situations, such as "I have to pick up my brother".
WMnow Alert Focus
Alerts specifically for this region often encourage parents to use the resources on the Life Or Knife website to "have the chat" with their children. They also highlight the risks of Joint Enterprise, explaining that anyone present during a knife attack can be charged with the same offence as the person holding the blade.
Stay Safe.
LPA - Dudley Central Team 2
‘Working in partnership, making communities safer’
