Schools in areas with a higher risk of youth violence should be given dedicated police officers, say MPs.
In its report, the committee called for more investment into neighbourhood policing – including a commitment to get a dedicated police officer into “all schools in areas with an above-average risk of serious youth violence” by April 2020. It said by committing the money for the officers in the government’s autumn spending review, it would become part of a drive to “rebuild vital links” with the communities affected.
The report has been published as part of the committee’s inquiry into youth violence for which MPs have heard evidence from campaigners, victims’ families, doctors, senior police officers, children’s charities and criminologists.
It also recommended that:
Named individuals in English and Welsh regions report directly to Downing Street on action to bring down violence
The government increases funding for youth outreach workers and community youth projects
Action is taken to reduce the number of pupils excluded from school, and to offer more support to those in alternative schools