Corridor cops’ crackdown on school thugs Police posted to curb anti-social behaviour
Catriona Webster Police have been called in to patrol a Scots high school because of concerns about some pupils’ behaviour.
Off icers were posted on campus at Hawick High as part of a “zero-tolerance” approach to anti- social behaviour from a minority of pupils.
Donna Manson, Scottish Borders Counci l ’ s service director for children and young people, told parents in a letter: “From time to time, there is some poor behaviour displayed by a minority of pupils, both within the school campus and in the local community.
“I am aware that there have been concerns voiced on social media regarding some anti-social behaviour in the school.
“I wish to reassure you that, in close partnership with the police, social work and youth workers, we are making rapid progress in eliminating this.
“This involves the support of local police, on and off the school campus, and close engagement with families where appropriate.”
Manson said a range of extra resources had been deployed at the school which would “continue indefinitely until we achieve the anti- social behaviour- free learning environment that is expected within Hawick High”.
She added: “The council are very proud of the young people who attend the school. They are very engaged and ambitious learners who exhibit strong cit i zenship, posit ive and respectful relationships”
Inspector Carol Wood said: “A number of issues relating to the conduct and actions of a small number of pupils at Hawick High were raised.
“Officers have been deployed and will engage with staff and pupils to deter offences and assure any matters which arise are suitably dealt with.”
It is understood the council wi l l recommend reducing the presence of officers at the school at a meeting with police tomorrow.
A council spokesman said: “The headteacher of Hawick High, education and social work staff at Scottish Borders Council and partners, including Pol ice Scotland, have been working closely over the past two weeks to implement an action plan.
“This has been very successful and has quickly resulted in an improved school environment for all students and staff.
“A partnership approach has also been taken to ensuring that additional support is in place for pupils and families as required.
“All partners are committed to continuing to work together to maintain the encouraging progress of recent weeks.
“Additional resources have been provided to the headteacher to implement further areas of the action plan within the school.
“Positive meetings have taken place with the parent council and councillors to reassure them that all necessary steps have been taken to bring these recent issues to a close.”