France, March 27 -- French police began carrying out random bag checks at schools on Thursday as authorities launch a crackdown on knife violence following a fatal stabbing earlier this week.

Education Minister Elisabeth Borne and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the move outside Beaugrenelle Vocational College in Paris's 15th arrondissement.

"We're increasing random and unexpected security operations at school entrances to conduct bag searches for knives and drugs. Stronger deterrence and stricter penalties are absolutely necessary," said Retailleau.

The spot checks will continue until the end of the academic year in July, following a directive issued to police prefects and school principals on Wednesday.

France to deploy...