§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives he proposes to promote contact between the local police forces and schools. [53577]
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§ Mr. MichaelLiaison between local police forces and schools provides an important first contact with the police for young people and the opportunity to create positive relationships. Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary's thematic inspection of police community relations, whose report was published last October, found clear evidence that the use of schools liaison officers had a positive effect on police/community relations and recommended that the value of such officers to foster links and enhance the image of the police should be recognised by forces. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary will be conducting a follow up inspection of 15 forces in the autumn to assess progress.
Joint guidance issued by the Department for Education and Employment and the Home Office last December on schools security covers police assistance to schools in helping them to develop security strategies and in responding to incidents on school premises. It should also help promote partnerships between local police forces and schools.
A range of measures in the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords] will encourage joint working between the police and education services, including schools. For example, use of the new power for the police to remove truants will involve the drawing up of strategies by the local education authority and schools in conjunction with the police to address identified local truancy problems while schools will have an important role in the local crime and disorder reduction partnerships and in the development of Youth Action Groups.