Safer Schools Police Officer

I am PC John Blackman, the dedicated Safer Schools Police Officer (SSO) for Hayes School. I am also responsible for The Glebe and The Ravensbourne Schools. I have been the Safer Schools Officer SSO for the above schools including Hayes for the last six years.

Last year the government published a Youth Crime Action Plan. Part of the plan was to encourage the creation of more Safer School Partnerships (SSPs) i.e. more SSOs working within schools. The policy is that such officers become the norm rather than the exception. SSPs are an important part of neighbourhood policing and have a central role to play in supporting the triple track approach of enforcement, prevention and support on which the action plan is based.
The role of the SSO is to take early action to ensure pupil safety and to prevent young people from being drawn into crime or antisocial behaviour which is obviously important for all pupils and for all schools.

This applies to every school – not just those in high crime areas or which have serious issues of antisocial behaviour or offending among its pupils. Figures show over 5,000 schools currently have some sort of formal arrangement with the police.

I recognise that some schools may be wary that the local community might see a regular police presence on the school premises as evidence of serious problems in the school. However, I believe that a SSO should be seen as a positive commitment by the school to prevent problems arising. SSOs deliver positive benefits for everyone – police, schools, pupils and the wider community – in every area, and that’s why every school in the borough is encouraged to consider getting on board. I am very pleased to be able to say that this partnership has worked very well with Hayes School over the last six years.

SSOs help young people deal with situations that may result in their becoming victims of crime and bullying. They also provide invaluable support for improving pupil behaviour and attendance, preventing and tackling crime, and improving young people’s relations with the police and the local community. The wider school community, including parents, can see the difference in behaviour and attitude in school and outside the school gates, with less truancy and with young people showing more respect for their environment and others in their community. The main focus of my role within Hayes School is to create a safe learning environment for the students and staff.

Well, that's a very brief introduction into why I am here. However, if you wish to know more or have a query regarding policing within schools or have any suggestions please do not hesitate to contact me on 0208 284 8855 or John.Blackman@met.police.uk I wish you all a happy and safe new year. P

C John Blackman