Police, Education Ministry join forces to combat school violence

In response to rising incidents of school-related violence, Regional Police Division 4B has launched a collaborative effort with the Education Ministry’s Schools’ Welfare Department. Commander of Regional Division 4B, Superintendent Wayne De Hearte, on Tuesday, hosted a meeting at the Divisional Headquarters with senior officials from the Ministry to develop strategies aimed at prevention, early intervention and student support.

The Ministry’s team included Senior Schools Welfare Officer, Rafena Zaman, Regional Welfare Officer for Region Four, Yolanda James and Senior Guidance Counselor, Akash Persaud. Also attending were Woman Inspector Hall, Welfare Officer for Division 4B, and Woman Sergeant Amsterdam, Community Relations Officer. The discussions centred on creating a comprehensive plan to reduce violence in high-risk schools. Both agencies agreed that a multi-stakeholder approach was essential to ensuring safer learning environments and supporting positive youth development. Superintendent De Hearte underscored the police force’s commitment to the partnership, stating,
“Our children’s safety is a shared responsibility. By strengthening collaboration between the Police Force, educators and welfare officers, we can address challenges before they escalate and build safer, more supportive spaces for our young people.” The meeting concluded with an agreement to pilot joint initiatives, including school outreach programmes, conflict resolution workshops and community engagement forums. These activities are expected to strengthen ties among students, teachers, parents and the police while reducing violence in schools.