Conversations about knife crime in Bucks schools proved useful, police say
Young people have raised their concerns around knife crime with police in schools
A number of schools across Buckinghamshire have been visited by Thames Valley Police this year for educational sessions around the dangers of knife crime.
Children and teenagers were able to raise concerns or share experiences, and ask officers questions about their work.
It was an opportunity for police to educate the younger generations around the dangers of carrying knives and the legal and fatal consequences it can have.
"...Police will go into schools and talk about road safety, knife crime issues, sexting or drug issues."
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Police, Matthew Barber, said: "Certainly in Milton Keynes, the young people there themselves produced a really impactful theatre production around the impact of knife crime from their perspective and how they see it impacting those young people."
"People often say to me 'police should do more in schools', but actually we do a huge amount. Police will go into schools and talk about road safety, knife crime issues, sexting or drug issues."
For Thames Valley Police, it is as much about engaging with young people and showing them that officers work hard to conduct investigations and stop crime, as it is to deter crime.
"....we can give schools and teachers a really clear menu of options of how the police can come and support them as part of their lessons..."
From these talks, they drew feedback to better build future sessions.
Mr Barber said: "We'll be reviewing that in the new year and looking at where we can really pull that work together so we can give schools and teachers a really clear menu of options of how the police can come and support them as part of their lessons to make sure there's a really clear plan that will follow children through their time in education."
The aim is to speak to children and teenagers of all ages, with adapted sessions for each age range.
In addition to their work with young people in educational settings, the force also works hard to divert crime and reintroduce offenders into society, especially young offenders, with the help of third party organisations.
"Some of it has been working through charities and other organisations on diversion schemes, so there are a lot of projects we are supporting", added Mr Barber.
Police will now be reviewing their work to kick start to their new set of sessions across the Thames Valley in 2024.