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School power to search for knives School power to search for knives
(about 3 hours later)
Schools in England have been given the legal right to search pupils who are suspected of carrying knives.Schools in England have been given the legal right to search pupils who are suspected of carrying knives.
The Department for Education and Skills will also give heads guidance on how to use airport-style metal detectors to screen young people.The Department for Education and Skills will also give heads guidance on how to use airport-style metal detectors to screen young people.
The guidelines state that a pupil can be refused entry to a school if he or she refuses to be screened.The guidelines state that a pupil can be refused entry to a school if he or she refuses to be screened.
However, the DfES stressed that incidents involving knives in schools were extremely rare.However, the DfES stressed that incidents involving knives in schools were extremely rare.
The advice to head teachers explains how best to screen pupils.The advice to head teachers explains how best to screen pupils.
For example, the guidelines suggest that randomly selected groups of pupils could be searched in order to send out a strong message of deterrence.For example, the guidelines suggest that randomly selected groups of pupils could be searched in order to send out a strong message of deterrence.
I think parents will welcome the clear message that bringing a weapon into school is a criminal offence Education Secretary Alan JohnsonI think parents will welcome the clear message that bringing a weapon into school is a criminal offence Education Secretary Alan Johnson
The DfES also sets out limits for schools.The DfES also sets out limits for schools.
Only members of staff authorised by the head teacher can undertake a search.Only members of staff authorised by the head teacher can undertake a search.
Suspicion has to be reasonable and not based on stereotypical images of certain groups of pupils.Suspicion has to be reasonable and not based on stereotypical images of certain groups of pupils.
Two members of staff should be present for a search and both must be the same sex as the pupil.Two members of staff should be present for a search and both must be the same sex as the pupil.
And students can only be required to remove outer clothing, such as coats or jackets.And students can only be required to remove outer clothing, such as coats or jackets.
The schools minister, Jim Knight, said the legislation contained several safeguards, including guidelines that two members of staff should be present at each search.The schools minister, Jim Knight, said the legislation contained several safeguards, including guidelines that two members of staff should be present at each search.
"Where possible it should take place outside of public view, so that we are again respecting the individuals who clearly may have a perfectly innocent explanation for being suspected of carrying a weapon.""Where possible it should take place outside of public view, so that we are again respecting the individuals who clearly may have a perfectly innocent explanation for being suspected of carrying a weapon."
Rare cases HAVE YOUR SAY Parents should make sure their children do not leave for school with weapons Bill Grigg, Birmingham class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=6466&edition=1&ttl=20070530205945">Send us your comments Rare cases
Education Secretary Alan Johnson stressed that knife incidents in schools were extremely rare.Education Secretary Alan Johnson stressed that knife incidents in schools were extremely rare.
"The main way to keep knives out of our schools is to continue educating young people about the dangers associated with illegally carrying a knife," he said."The main way to keep knives out of our schools is to continue educating young people about the dangers associated with illegally carrying a knife," he said.
"But one violent crime caused by a weapon is one too many."But one violent crime caused by a weapon is one too many.
"This new power was called for by teachers, but our guidance makes clear that a search should never take place where there is any risk to staff or pupils. In those circumstances the police should be called."This new power was called for by teachers, but our guidance makes clear that a search should never take place where there is any risk to staff or pupils. In those circumstances the police should be called.
"I think parents will welcome the clear message that bringing a weapon into school is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated.""I think parents will welcome the clear message that bringing a weapon into school is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated."
'Appropriately trained staff''Appropriately trained staff'
A spokesman for the National Association of Head Teachers said it was the job of the police to search individuals for weapons.A spokesman for the National Association of Head Teachers said it was the job of the police to search individuals for weapons.
"They are trained and have the appropriate body armour," the spokesman said."They are trained and have the appropriate body armour," the spokesman said.
"Our advice to our members will be to call for police assistance should they suspect that a weapon is being carried.""Our advice to our members will be to call for police assistance should they suspect that a weapon is being carried."
General secretary of the NASUWT union, Chris Keates, welcomed the new powers, but said searches must be conducted properly.General secretary of the NASUWT union, Chris Keates, welcomed the new powers, but said searches must be conducted properly.
"Conducting searches is a job for appropriately trained staff who have site security as part of their role."Conducting searches is a job for appropriately trained staff who have site security as part of their role.
"However, all schools will still need to consider how they will be incorporated into their policies and procedures to ensure that they are prepared fully should the need arise."However, all schools will still need to consider how they will be incorporated into their policies and procedures to ensure that they are prepared fully should the need arise.
"There is a clear role for local authorities and the local police in supporting and advising schools in this process.""There is a clear role for local authorities and the local police in supporting and advising schools in this process."