Security Oracle News Archive

Heads To Screen And Search Pupils For Weapons

Wed, October 18, 2006

Source: Government News Network

Schools are able to screen pupils for weapons using 'arch' and 'wand' metal detectors, breaking new ground in protecting pupils and staff from violent crime, it was announced today.

Schools are able to screen pupils for weapons using 'arch' and 'wand' metal detectors, breaking new ground in protecting pupils and staff from violent crime, it was announced today.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson is also giving headteachers and school staff tough new powers to search pupils for weapons as part of his policy to ensure schools are "knife and weapon free" zones and safe and secure places to learn.

This package will substantially strengthen schools' powers to tackle violent crime. Staff will be able to use blanket non-contact or minimal contact screening for weapons without needing consent or grounds of suspicion to do so. Random checks could be used to catch offenders unawares.

Alan Johnson instructed his officials to seek confirmation that screening is lawful so that Heads have the flexibility they need to take firm action against bad or violent behaviour. If screening arouses suspicion that a pupil is carrying a weapon, school staff will then be able to use the new powers in the Violent Crime Reduction Bill to carry out a hands-on search.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson said: "We're giving Headteachers the extra powers they need to make their schools safe for all pupils and staff. If they feel it is appropriate they can now both screen and search pupils to prevent weapons coming through the school gates.

"Parents will welcome the fact that we are sending out a clear message that bringing a knife into school is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated.

"Offenders will face tougher penalties than before because the Government is also doubling the maximum sentence for carrying a knife from two to four years."

Screening involves pupils walking through a "bleeping" arch or being checked with a metal detector wand.

"This will be a strong deterrent to the small minority of pupils who want to bring knives and other weapons into the classroom.

"By bringing in new legislation for school searches and announcing our revised screening policy, we are giving schools the confidence and freedom to act decisively to protect children and staff."

Acting on advice from legal advisers means the DfES can now give guidance to schools that they can screen for knives within the law.

Heads will still be able to call in the police if they need to in order to deal with incidents.

Government News Network