This post is about knife and edged weapon awareness. Knife and edged-weapon violence is a reality that frontline staff in security, care, education, housing and other community-facing roles may one day face. The most important thing they need is not a technique — it is judgement: the ability to read a situation early and make a safe decision.
Our online course, Knife and Edged Weapon Awareness, helps non-police community safety staff do exactly that. It is an awareness course, deliberately not a self-defence or disarmament programme.
What the course covers
- The reality of edged-weapon violence in the UK — evidence-led and sober, not sensational.
- Identifying edged and offensive weapons — made, adapted and intended weapons, and how an everyday object can become an offensive weapon.
- The Golden Rule — non-police staff do not engage when a knife, edged weapon, firearm or offensive weapon is present. Withdrawal is operational doctrine, not cowardice.
- A clear tactical framework — increasing range, using barriers and preventing penetration.
- The medical reality of stab wounds — what a blade does to a body, and why seconds matter.
- Scenario practice — rehearsing difficult decisions, from a suspected weapon to a colleague wanting to intervene.
Who it is for
Security officers, care and support staff, education staff, housing officers and other community-facing roles. Awareness level — no physical or operational techniques are taught.
knife and edged weapon awareness: Format
Self-paced online, around 45–60 minutes, across seven lessons with knowledge checks and scenario practice.
