Hi chaps, this is something that I've been deeply reasarching over the last three months or so, and looking for greater clarification in the law. If you look at my post in introductions it gives you an idea what I've actively been up to.
I've just sent a letter of today to no 10 Downing Street to highlight my findings, and to ask for not so much greater clarification in the law, but for a more unified approach to policing the offence. There are definite guidelines laid out by the NPCC, national police chiefs council which the police are suppose to follow. Although I don't agree wholly with those, my findings have exposed the fact that the police are still using an over active approach in some cases to bring people to court..
I have compiled an 11 page report expressing the need for greater tolerance for the people like ourselves and genuine cases where the daily use of a multi tool can and should show 'reasonable cause' under the umbrella of (presumption).
My argument has been with the authorities that I am a person who uses and collects tools, and have found over the years that carrying a multi tool allows me an extension of my abilities to make my day a whole lot better than it could of been based on the probability that I will need to carry it... The trouble with the law as it stands now is that you can't use the reasonable excuse of 'probability ' as an excuse... I explained to the police and NPCC that it would be a complete impossibility to know if we're going to use it that day or not, as appose to using it for a specific 'known' task .
I've also suggested that a Sikh can carry a dagger for religious reasons as one of his five beliefs, and also a Scottish person can carry a knife as part of a national costume, I expressed that fact that I have beliefs to, I believe that carrying a multi tool will make my day much better if I should need it, and more to the point if I see anyone on my travels that I can offer help to then even better, however they failed to see the need....
I have also suggested that a licence type system akin to a shot gun licence might be an alternative and open up a greater allowance for carry without having to offer a reason, I'm sure there are many more ways in which the law can be tweaked to be Alitalia more relaxed for those who need it...
I'm just not convinced that giving 'reasonable cause ' is working for some people.
I've even spoken to various solicitors to ask of their opinion and I was shocked to find out that he'd had to referential many people in court when quite clearly they had a reasonable cause in the first place and it should have been dealt with there and then....
Dave.