2 days ago
Police using metal detectors in Stoke-on-Trent schools in knife crime crackdown
Police are taking a knife arch into Stoke-on-Trent schools - to try to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying blades. Birches Head Academy is the latest secondary school to take part in the Staffordshire Police operation.
It saw pupils walk through the knife arch at the start of the school day. No blades were seized.
It comes as one parent has complained to StokeonTrentLive about the use of the knife arch. He labelled the operation a 'joke'.
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A Birches Head Academy spokesman said: "Birches Head Academy has been working closely with Staffordshire Police, our local PCSOs, and other secondary schools across Stoke-on-Trent as part of a national campaign focused on tackling knife crime. This is a growing issue in communities across the country, and it is right that we do all that we can to educate and raise awareness about the dangers of carrying a bladed item.
"During the campaign, we had some brilliant external speakers come to present to our students, alongside some insightful class discussions and lessons. We also wrote to parents several times over about how we would be one of many schools who would allow police to use a metal detection system one morning when students arrived at school known as a knife arch. However, for obvious reasons, we didn't name the exact date or time when this would be taking place.
"While we appreciate that the knife arch can be unnerving, it was heartening that pupils went through it. There was one individual who initially refused, but shortly afterwards opted to go through the arch. No items were uncovered and no child was searched."
Staffordshire Police say the crackdown was 'part of pre-planned engagement activity'.
A police spokesman said: "We installed a knife arch as part of the engagement, to educate pupils as to the dangers of knives and what support is available to them if they feel they need it. No knives were recovered. We continue to engage with our communities to ensure people feel safe and secure across Staffordshire."
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