The Home Office has launched a £1.2 million scheme to help up to 250 schools in England tackle knife crime, using mapping technology to identify areas of highest risk. The programme is part of a government pledge to halve knife crime within a decade.
The technology can pinpoint knife crime prevalence down to 0.1 square kilometres, allowing police to focus on specific streets and times when pupils travel to and from school. Schools most in need will be identified based on this data.
Support includes training for school leaders on knife crime risks, mentoring for at-risk pupils, and chaperones on school routes. The most intensive help will go to 50 schools in areas with the highest levels of school-linked knife crime, ensuring vulnerable children have access to a trusted adult.
The Youth Endowment Fund welcomed the plan, with executive director Jon Yates stating, 'We know what works to prevent knife crime: a trusted adult, someone to talk to, social and emotional support, opportunities like sport.' However, shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticised the plan, arguing the government has created risks by having too few police officers protecting schools and calling for expanded stop and search operations.
Policing minister Sarah Jones said, 'No child should fear walking to school. That is why we must prevent violence from ever occurring. With the right support, the right opportunities and the right interventions in the right places, we can prevent harm long before a young person finds themselves in danger.'
