MPA education and youth street seminar

18/02
22 February 2002

The Metropolitan Police Authority is hosting a one day seminar to explore the links between education and street crime on Tuesday 26 February.

The increased incidence of street crime in London, particularly that committed by young people, is a major concern for the MPA. The seminar is intended as a catalyst to facilitate the sharing of best practice across London and further enhance the partnerships between the police and education authorities. 

R. David Muir, member of the MPA opening the seminar, said:

“The MPA is all too aware of the significant role youth crime plays in the pattern of street crime in London. 

“I know that by bringing together key representatives form the principal agencies responsible for education, schools and crime reduction policies, we can actively learn from each other’s experiences.”

Representatives from the principal agencies working with young people and youth crime, including MPA members, head teachers, school governors, local education authorities, community safety workers, police officers (both senior officers and those working in boroughs), the youth justice board and voluntary organisations, will be attending.

The principal aims of the seminar are to:

• profile case studies of initiatives that are addressing links between education and youth crime issues;
• explore the nature of the problem informed by police and Home Office research; and
• establish a pan London multi-agency forum to explore the contribution of education in the development of strategies to tackle youth street crime and particularly street robbery.

Richard Sumray, member of the MPA opening the afternoon session, said:

“Statistics identify school exclusions and truancy as major contributors to young people’s offending behaviour. 

“The afternoon workshops, ranging from bullying and hate crime in schools, the role of schools out-of-hours, police officers in schools and the impact of exclusions on schools and community, seek to explore the many facets of this complex issue and inform the ongoing debate.”

Toby Harris, Chair of the MPA, will close the seminar.

Notes to editors

1. The seminar is being held at the Academy Conference Centre, Posthouse Hotel Bloomsbury, London WC1 on February 26 2002.

2. Due to excessive demand the seminar is already fully subscribed.

3. Media are welcome to attend the closing address by Toby Harris at 3:15pm. Please call the press office to signify your attendance.

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