Police work in Lincolnshire schools spotlighted during anti-social behaviour week

Chief Inspector Simon Skelton, of the Safer Together Partnership said: “Our vison for Lincolnshire identifies ASB as a top priority with a focus on reducing repeat victimisation and calls for service. While ASB includes comparatively low level offending, the impact on victims can be severe, affecting how safe they feel, and their quality of life. It can make life a misery.

“Partnership work is absolutely key to addressing the issues and creating a safer Lincolnshire. It’s vital that we work with other agencies and organisations to tackle the problem from every angle and find long term solutions and preventions. No one should have to suffer repeated ASB.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Marc Jones said: “I recognise how important tackling anti-social behaviour is in creating a community that feels safe for residents. Whilst enforcement plays a key role in addressing the problem, like many community issues, the long term solution lies in partners working together.

“We are taking this approach in Lincolnshire and agencies are coming together to fight anti-social behaviour – making a real difference to people’s lives. I hope shining a light on the work being done can encourage more people to come forward and report issues so we can eradicate anti-social behaviour from our streets and neighbourhoods.”

During awareness week, the force is highlighting what you can do if you are suffering ASB and joining forces with other agencies and organisations to promote who can help you.

They aim to raise awareness of the importance of working in partnership. In many cases of ASB, different agencies may contribute to the solution, as they can address a particular aspect of the problem.

Chief Insp Skelton explained: “For example, to effectively deal with repeated street begging, we need to share information and work with other agencies and charities to support the individual. Why are they begging? There might be multiple reasons such as mental health problems, homelessness and addiction.”

What is antisocial behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is defined as ‘Conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person’.

Abandoned vehicles, littering, rowdy neighbours, vehicle nuisance, street drinking and misuse of fireworks are all examples of ASB. They are often not isolated incidents but repeated problems that have a cumulative impact on those affected by the behaviour.

Not all ASB is a police matter. Some issues are reportable to the district or county council. Find out more about each type of ASB, and which organisation can help you.

Police officers regularly engage with schools across the county and enlist the support of the younger generation.

Children described what they learned following the input:

“I learnt not to hurt people or be a criminal and that anything can be a weapon.”

“I learnt all about what anti-social behaviour means to everyone in my community.”

“I learnt how to be safe and protect others in my neighbourhood.”

The topic of antisocial behaviour is included in the Lincolnshire Police Mini Police curriculum delivered in primary schools, and the multi-agency led secondary ‘Stay Safe’ sessions.

The force is currently working with 120 primary schools, 50 mainstream secondary schools and 13 other educational establishments across the county.

The Mini Police program, since 2018, covers elements of policing where children can express themselves and have the most impact on their peers and communities.

The Stay Safe team, since 2015, have been successfully providing education in schools as part of a multi-agency approach. Partners include: We Are With You (Substance Misuse Service), Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Lincolnshire County Council and the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children’s Board.

Explaining the goal of the ‘Stay Safe’ sessions Sgt Mel Standbrook, of the Crime Prevention and Safer Lincolnshire Partnerships, said: “The aim is to improve personal safety by making pupils aware of the consequences of their actions on themselves, their families, and the community. During the pandemic we adapted our workshops to include online lessons, both student and teacher led, to complement our face to face deliveries, to challenge those barriers to learning we found ourselves in. This was a great leap for the team when looking at areas of impact.”

Sgt Standbrook reported that the ‘Stay Safe’ days, and the mini police initiative were welcomed by the school community. “Both programs receive excellent feedback from pupils and teachers alike, because it offers a great deal of reflection and free speech between the young people and the facilitator, allowing them to identify the risks and steps they need to take.”

Ultimately, the work in schools aims to win over young minds, in order to keep them, and their communities safe.

In this academic year:

○ 2,043 students have undertaken independent learning on ASB

○ 1,531 students took part in teacher led modules

○ Officers were face to face with 4390 students

○ They engaged 7964 students in total

Here is a selection of comments received from school staff:

“We just wanted to pass on our thanks to you and the rest of the team for today’s Stay Safe Partnership day. We had lots of positive feedback from our students and look forward to doing it again next year.” Aegir Specialist Academy

“Yesterday was a great success and I have had some great feedback from teachers and pupils alike.” Barnes Wallis Academy

“I just wanted to let you know how much the girls enjoyed the presentations given on Tuesday. Several staff have commented on how well the presenters came across. Please would you pass on my thanks to everyone who made the day so successful.” Kesteven and Grantham Girls School

“The Stay Safe day was brilliant, the students were really engaged and thoroughly enjoyed it. A big thanks to you and the presenters, it all went very smoothly. Looking forward to the next one.” Boston High School

“We have had another very successful stay safe day with year 8. Thank you to everyone who supported the day and helped with the organisation.” Gainsborough Academy

A selection of comments from the children:

“I liked this one, it was explained well and fun, will help me in the future.”

“It was very interesting to learn about ASB.”

“I think the lesson was very useful and helpful.”

“There was a lot of information and it as a good interaction with class and interesting.”

“Lots of good information about the law.”

“I learnt a lot of new things.”

“It was enjoyable, I will remember this.”

“Absolutely loved this session very interactive with open speech.”

“The information was straight forward and useful and I enjoyed it.”

If you are a member of school staff interested in the Stay Safe programme, contact Stay Safe Co-ordinator, Kathryn Smith: [email protected] or alternatively [email protected]

The Safer Lincolnshire Partnership is the single multi-agency forum for addressing community safety issues across Lincolnshire. For information on the Partnership including it’s aims and objectives, its current key priorities, as well as a list of agencies that form the partnership, go to the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership website