All London Secondary Schools to Receive Knife and Metal Detectors

 

Sadiq Khan is extending an offer to all 500 secondary schools in London, providing them with knife wand metal detectors for screening students in the aftermath of 15-year-old Elianne Andam’s tragic murder.

On Friday, the mayor will reach out to headteachers, presenting a plan encompassing support, resources, and funding to combat the surge in youth violence.

A 17-year-old boy is set to face trial next year, accused of fatally stabbing aspiring lawyer Elianne on her way to school near the Whitgift shopping centre in Wellesley Road, Croydon, on September 27.

Just days later, Taye Faik, aged 16, fell victim to a fatal stabbing in Kendal Gardens, Edmonton, marking him as the 16th teenage casualty in the capital this year.

Mr Khan has announced that schools can approach the Metropolitan Police for an officer to conduct talks on knife crime prevention with students or request the use of knife wands within their premises.

While teachers have the option of retaining these handheld devices at school, they can also choose to establish a dedicated police operation after lessons conclude.

Additionally, a mentoring programme will be implemented to convey the significance of a reliable adult figure in a young person’s life, helping them steer clear of involvement with gang leaders.

Toolkits aimed at combatting violence against women and girls will also be accessible, educating boys aged 11 to 18 about the importance of language and attitudes, and encouraging the denouncement of misogynistic behaviour.

Mr Khan stated, “Every loss of a young life on our city’s streets is absolutely heart-wrenching. I aim to provide our schools and dedicated educators with the necessary support, resources, and funding to prevent and combat violence.”

Lib Peck, the director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, chimed in, affirming, “We are steadfast in our commitment to support and collaborate with schools and colleges across London, ensuring the safety of children and young people for their growth and well-being.

“Schools and teachers, already doing commendable work with limited resources, have witnessed firsthand the impact of this in their classrooms.”