The Scottish Conservatives are urging the SNP government to expand Police Scotland’s stop and search powers to tackle the "epidemic" of youth violence.
Following 13 alleged knife attacks on teenagers over the past two months, with two of them fatal, Russell Findlay has called on John Swinney to abandon his "weak and reckless" approach and take decisive action before more tragedies occur.
His calls follow comments from David Kennedy, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, who said that existing stop and search powers are insufficient to combat knife crime.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay MSP said that the SNP’s weakening of the justice system, with more serious crimes referred to the Children’s Panel rather than being prosecuted in court, is failing victims.
The soft-touch approach means that there are often no consequences for those who commit serious crimes, thereby removing any deterrent which is fuelling violence.
And even where cases are prosecuted, criminals aged under 25 are less likely to be jailed due to controversial sentencing guidelines, which the Scottish Conservatives have called to be scrapped.
Mr Findlay added that John Swinney needs to show some "common sense" and expand stop-and-search powers to give frontline officers the powers they need to protect the public.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay MSP said: "Decisive and prompt action must be taken to stop the growing epidemic of youth violence, especially involving knives.
"Stop-and-search powers need to be extended immediately while a fundamental rethink is required of the SNP’s weak approach which fails victims and fuels violence.
"John Swinney should listen to frontline officers who know how to get this crisis under control and prevent more young lives being needlessly lost.
"Tougher stop and search powers would help police to prevent violence, protect young people and keep the public safe.
"These powers are merited because this is a matter of life or death. The SNP need to act now to avoid more attacks and killings on Scotland’s streets.
"In the longer term, John Swinney should show some common sense by recognising that his weak approach is sending a dangerous signal to young offenders.
"Too many young criminals think they can do whatever they want without any consequences for their actions, and it is usually other young people who pay the price."