As you will be aware from previous posts, we were shocked to learn that Welsh Government have ceased funding for the visits of our local Schools Police Officer from April to save £2m a year. School Beat Cymru allowed for 68 school Police Officers across Wales’ four forces to deliver lessons on substance abuse, safety, safeguarding and behaviour.
This will negatively impact schools and police resources, which are already under significant pressure. In addition to educating pupils, school police officers respond to incidents which take place in schools. They have developed specific skills and knowledge to address issues within schools and built working relationships with staff and pupils. Without a specific police officer, schools will have to call 101, which could also overwhelm the communication centre and place additional demands on general response officers. This will further decrease resources to respond to other calls. Incidents in schools, particularly secondary schools are a regular occurrence, and having a dedicated officer, is a more effective and efficient way to address such situations.
In January alone, our schools officer delivered a total of 53 lessons, 5 assemblies and assisted with 4 school related incidents.
We have been made aware of a petition that has been created by a pupil of a school that is set to loose their Schools Officer and we would appreciate it if you could sign and circulate the link so that our voice can be heard.