Pupils hear harrowing story of an ex-offender
JON MACPHERSON
THE dangers and ‘devastating consequences’ of illegal knife use have been laid bare by police during a talk to pupils.
Officers from Hyndburn North Neighbourhood Policing Team visited St Christopher’s CE High School and Accrington Academy over the last week as part of “Operation Sceptre”.
The national campaign aims to reduce knife crime by encouraging people to surrender their knives at local police stations.
PCSO Kirsten Taylor and PCSO Iain McCarroll addressed Year 9 students who were taught the dangers of illegal knife use and the devastating consequences that can result.
They also learned about the signs associated with child criminal exploitation and the impact organised crime gangs have on individuals and communities.
The talks were supported by a ‘life story’ session from a rehabilitated ex-offender who took the students on a journey through the introduction to a life of crime; the incarceration experience; and the drift into serious mental illness due to drug use.
Sgt Ian Corbett, of the Hyndburn Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the feedback from both schools were ‘extremely positive’.
He said: “This is a fantastic engagement opportunity to deliver a very important message.
“We hope to run a number of similar inputs across Hyndburn over the next few months.
“Iain and Kirtsen have done some fantastic work which was well appreciated by students and staff.”
Since the launch of Operation Sceptre in September, the Hyndburn North Team have delivered workshops to over 500 students.
Jackie Eccles, Year 9 head at Accrington Academy, said: “The content was great and all students derived a lot from the day.
“You definitely started some great conversations and staff reported that the students were very interested and that the work produced after the sessions was thought provoking. I can’t wait to have you back in school.”