Police officers in Leicester city centre are taking part in an operation to crackdown on truants.
Officers on patrol will challenge young people of school age who appear to have taken unauthorised absence from school. Those who are unable to provide a legitimate reason for their absence will immediately be taken back to school.
Police will then inform the Education Welfare Service who have the ability to take the further action.
The operation is being funded by the Safer Leicester Partnership as part of the government project TKAP*, a project that focuses on serious youth violence.
PC Ian Edwards, the Youth Involvement Officer for the city, said: “I think sometimes youngsters fail to see the seriousness of being absent from school and it’s vital that we get the message out there- truancy is not acceptable.
“Truancy can also lead to further issues in a community, at worst resulting in the youngsters becoming involved in crime, as a victim or offender. This is something that we want desperately to avoid.
“When carrying out operations like this in the past most children have been co-operative and understanding. Generally a quick chat from their neighbourhood officer helps them to realise the repercussions of their actions.”
Councillor Vi Dempster, cabinet lead for children and schools at Leicester City Council, added: “Whilst there may be many reasons for a young person to stay away from school, it is important that they understand how important it is to attend regularly; if they’re not there they can’t learn, it’s as simple as that.
"They are also missing out on the social side of school life, not just being with their friends, but learning social skills that will stand them in good stead when they go out to work.”
* Tackling Knife and Serious Youth Crime Action Programme
Issued on 07/03/11 at 11:27
