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Posted on May 23rd 2022
Operation Makepeace Explores Consequences of Youth Violence
Two members of the Metropolitan Police's specialist firearms engagement team visited recently to talk to Year 10 and 12 students about policing and youth violence, and how they are looking to build trust between the police and young people.
The hour-long presentation delivered a brief explanation of policing in the UK and armed policing within that, including "policing by consent". The police officers gave information around the number of shootings by police in recent years to gauge understanding and raise awareness.
They also explained the process of grooming and gang affiliations, and discussed who really benefits from the exploitation of young people and crime. They encouraged students to reflect on the power of conscience, personal responsibility, doing the right thing, and "snaking, snitching and grassing".
The officers presented open and meaningful insight on the over-representation of young people as both victims and perpetrators of violent knife and gun crime in London and gave some key information around knife attack first aid.
The discussion also sought to inform students around legalities and implications of carrying a knife including the heightened risk of becoming a victim of crime if you carry a knife.
The session concluded with an open and frank question and answer session. Students said that they found the session to be informative and interesting and were able to actively engage with and relate to the police officers, both of whom were very familiar with our local area, having grown up in Lewisham.
