Keeping schools safe

THERE has been too much resistance in the past to schools taking on the role of ensuring that they are safe for all. We have known for some years the reality of knives and weapons being brought into them.

in the north London secondary school at which i worked until last year i was responsible, with our Schools Specialist Police Officers, for organising a knife arch to be brought in on a regular basis. The staff had already recognised signs that students were involved with gangs.

everyone entering the school had to pass through the arch. it created interesting discussions and more awareness of what students may innocently carry that could be taken for a weapon, as well as the serious issue of possession of a knife. The police involved were respectful and fair to the students, but, where necessary, firm.

This was probably due to these specialist officers’ ability to work proactively with staff. Knife arches are not used in isolation; they are part of a school’s personal, social, health and economic programme.

The searches threw up some interesting facts unrelated to knife crime, such as students who we had never suspected of being involved in drugs being found with equipment such as scales. Many students thought we should bring in a drugs dog. Mrs SUSAN FELLA, Enfield, N. London.