A new partnership between police and schools is being launched in the west of the Island

Police and QE 2 School in Peel (pictured) are piloting a 'Safer Schools' initiative.

Stuart Peters reports:

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The partnership aims to reduce the prevalence of crime, anti-social behaviour and victimisation of young people, provide a safe school environment to enhance the learning environment, ensure that young people remain in education, and challenge their unacceptable behaviour.

The school will provide office space for officers to work from the school on a regular basis, to give students an opportunity to speak to police in a safe environment, building relationships and improving accountability and understanding.

Four officers will be involved in the scheme, Inspector Simon Lowe, Sergeant Bob Quayle and Constables Lou Kennaugh and Ian Scott.

Head of Student Services at QE2, Jo White, says the school already has successful links with the local community and the partnership will serve to strengthen the links further.

Inspector Simon Lowe says the secondary school is a key partner in their efforts to provide a safe environment for young people in the West of the Island, and having a base within the school is a huge opportunity for police to become more accessible, and build relationships with the student community.