Joint School/Police Letter

Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

HAPPY, SAFE SUMMER – REMINDER FROM WEST MIDLANDS POLICE

The summer holiday is fast approaching, it is important our students are reminded what we, as a school community, expect of them in terms of behaviour while they are enjoying socialising with friends and family during the break.  We also want to ensure they feel confident to keep themselves safe and away from crime and anti-social behaviour.

Parents/carers and students should already be aware that as part of our safeguarding arrangements, the school has a two-way information sharing agreement in place with West Midlands Police, and we are active members of the local Police & Schools Panel.  This joint approach helps us to intervene early to prevent and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour involving our students and provide support and up-to-date safety messages.

In partnership with the police, we would like to provide some reminders about the following:

• Personal Safety:
• • Be aware of your surroundings, take care of friends and family members and keep valuables (such as smartphones/watches/headphones) out of public view whenever possible.
  • For apple devices parents/carers can active ‘Find My’ which includes Activation Lock – A feature that is designed to prevent anyone else from using your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, if it’s ever lost or stolen. Activation Lock turns on automatically when you turn on ‘Find My’ on your device – more details on this feature are available here: Activation Lock for iPhone and iPad - Apple Support
  • Don’t drink alcohol, take illegal drugs or unknown substances; they can have a big impact on your health and safety, behaviour, and your ability to do well at school and enjoy other interests and activities. They can also be addictive and have unpredictable side effects and could even have fatal consequences - Information is available at www.talktofrank.com
• Swimming in rivers/reservoirs: Reservoirs may look inviting, especially on a hot day, but they are extremely dangerous places to swim.  If you jump in, you may not be able to get out as the sides are very steep; the water never gets above 11 degrees, and this will affect your ability to breathe and to move. Rivers and reservoirs may be deeper than you think. Safety information is available here: Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI
• Social Media: Don’t allow your use of social media to put you at risk of grooming, exploitation, or regret in future.  Use social media positively and avoid being negative about anyone online as comments/actions may be traced back to you and you will be held accountable.
• Weapons in public places: Carrying a knife or other weapon will get you a criminal record which can have life-long effects on travel and job prospects.  Those who carry knives are also much more likely to be injured by them. Don’t take BB Guns, Gel Blasters/Guns, or any other real looking toy guns into public spaces as these can cause alarm to the public - which could receive a Police Firearms response.
• Anti-social behaviour: Think about your actions towards others; a little thought & respect goes a long way.
• Off-road bikes: These can only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission. Don’t risk your life and future prospects by illegally riding these on the road.
• E-Scooters: In the UK, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a provisional or full driving licence to ride a hire e- scooter. A privately owned e-scooter can only be used in a private place with the landowner’s permission; they are illegal to use on a road or in a public place.
• Remember the company you keep: If your friend breaks the law, your association with that person may have legal consequences for you, which could be very serious – even if you weren’t the one directly responsible.

If a student is in a position where they need help, they should talk to an adult they trust.  Crimes can be reported directly to the police via 101; alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org. If a crime is taking place or a life is in danger, call 999 immediately.

We wish everyone a happy and safe summer.

 

Dr Coughlan

Principal

Bishop Challoner Catholic College

 

Richard North

Chief Superintendent

Birmingham Local Policing Area

West Midlands Police