School police

Official figures showed that 40% of street crime, 25% of burglaries, 20% of criminal damage and a third of car thefts were carried out by 10 to 16-year-olds at times when they should be in school.

"Every school should have a dedicated police officer available to them to help cut violent crime," England's Schools Minister Lord Adonis has said. Schools in more challenging areas could benefit particularly from help from police. Some 450 schools already have designated officers in schools. Nothing is more imperative than that we keep weapons out of school."

The head of another teachers' union, Chris Keates of the NASUWT, said many schools would welcome police officers. She said it could also have benefits for the wider community by breaking down barriers, promoting greater understanding and forging more positive relationships between the police and young people.

Early figures from a pilot scheme in the London Borough of Southwark show that a police presence reduced crime in participating schools by as much as 95%.

We can clearly see the importance of schools having a school police but with so many violent and rebellious teens, is it enough just having one per school?

We don't think so. Something is missing. At the UCKG, we know how powerful prayer can be. Now imagine what can happen if you join forces with parents all over the world and fight for God’s blessings for your children? This is what Blessing the Children is all about. It’s a prayer day that takes place on the last Sunday of every month.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the Sunday service for special prayers. No matter the age of your children, even if they’ve grown up and left home, they are still your children and can still benefit from prayer. By taking part in this special prayer day, you will know the joy of making a difference in your child’s life.

Blessing the Children, Sunday 28th September, 9.30am at your local UCKG.

Released Friday 19th September 2008