§ 32. Mr. Cyril D. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has on the use of the police for truancy sweeps; and if he proposes to issue any advice on this matter.
§ Mr. MayhewHome Office circular 83/1980 describes some of the anti-truancy measures undertaken by police forces in England and Wales, normally in conjunction with the local education services. The results of a detailed study of police truancy patrols in one area have been published in "Crime Prevention and the Police", which is No. 55 in the Home Office Research Study series. Some doubts have been expressed about the adequacy of the powers under which police truancy patrols operate, and this aspect is under consideration.