WCJB visits Kingdown School
Pupils learn dangers of knife crime and cannabis
TEENAGERS at a Warminster school have learnt about knife crime prevention and the dangers of cannabis.
These were two of the subjects discussed by Wiltshire Criminal Justice Board (WCJB) staff during a visit to Kingdown School on July 3.
The teenagers were also given more information about the criminal justice system in Wiltshire, as well as how the different criminal justice agencies deal with young offenders.
The hour-long presentation by WCJB Community Engagement Officer Steven Taylor and Communications Officer Chloe Boyce (pictured right with some of the pupils) included a focus on cannabis, the law regarding this and the detrimental effect on users’ health.
A key part of the presentation was a section on knife crime, particularly poignant just days after the murder of Ben Kinsella. Ben became the 17th teenager to be stabbed or shot to death in London this year.
The Kingdown students learnt about the law regarding knife possession, and how it changed last month when Prime Minister Gordon Brown decided that anyone aged 16 or 17 caught in possession of a knife for the first time can now expect to be taken to court and prosecuted rather than cautioned.
It was also stressed that carrying a knife or weapon is illegal and that this includes carrying a knife for self-defence.
The youngsters were given a chance to give their opinion on whether people should or should not be allowed to carry knives.
They also viewed photos of real-life knife injuries which have been released by the Government as part of its campaign to deter youths from carrying knives.
The WCJB visit was co-ordinated by Kingdown teacher Clare England, who said: “In this day and age, teenagers are exposed to the possibilities of being involved in street crime much more regularly than ever before.
“This talk by the WCJB has highlighted to pupils at Kingdown that by carrying a knife, or being with someone who carries a knife, they are putting themselves at unnecessary risk.
“Many pupils decided that, as a result of the talk, they just weren’t prepared to take that chance.”