GOL Backs New Initiative to Make London Schools Safer
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Dr Andrew Briers |
The Safer School Communities: Working in Partnership with School-based Officers book was launched at KMPG's London offices in the City in July 2004.
The event included speakers and representatives from the partners involved with the project - Government Office for London, Metropolitan Police Service, Youth Justice Board, Fulbright Commission and Middlesex University Press.
Author Dr Andrew Briers is a serving police officer with the Met and coordinator for the Safer Schools programme. Dr Briers, who completed his PhD on the subject at Middlesex University, has drawn on his experience in school policing in both the UK and USA to write a guide for the development of partnerships between school communities and school-based police officers.
Youth crime is one of the most important challenges faced by the community and government today. Safer School Communities describes the development of Safer Schools Partnerships, an initiative supported by Government Office for London. Schools from 26 London boroughs have set up partnerships. The book examines the roles of teachers, parents, support workers and, in particular, school-based police officers, in tackling and reducing youth crime.
Alongside the book's publication there is a new website, which provides information, advice and contacts for school-based police officers and teachers interested in setting up, or working in, Safer Schools projects.
Hazel Blears MP, Minister of State for Crime Reduction, Policing and Community Safety in the Home Office welcomed the new guidance and website:
"I know from discussions with local communities that the Safer Schools Partnerships programme has enjoyed much success. Building good relationships and partnerships between young people and those involved in their care can only benefit society. As Minister of State, improving community safety is one of my key responsibilities. This programme, aimed at keeping our children safe and reducing juvenile crime and victimisation is fundamental to achieving this."
The Safer Schools website can be visited at www.saferschoolpartnerships.org
For more information contact Chief Inspector Bob Jones on 020 7217 3303
