Police Mutual help tackle gun and knife crime

Monday, 09 September, 2013

Firearms officers Simon Harrison (R) and Graham McLeod (L) with Stephen Mann, Chief Executive of Police Mutual.

For the third year running, Police Mutual is proud to be supporting the Guns and Knives Take Lives (GAKTL) education and diversion programme, developed by South Yorkshire Police to tackle youth-related gun and knife crime.

The GAKTL presentation is delivered to every Year Eight pupil across the force area. The hard-hitting 90-minute presentation includes thought-provoking videos, roleplaying and interactive demonstrations to keep young audiences engaged.

The programme was first introduced by a South Yorkshire firearms officer in 2005 and has since gone from strength to strength.

With a proven track record in deterring young people from gun and knife crime, the programme is now delivered by a team of eight authorised firearms officers, on top of their core roles.

Before the initiative was introduced, 46 per cent of firearms incidents attended by firearms officers in South Yorkshire involved young people, in comparison to just 11 per cent of incidents in 2012.

Claire Long, Head of Welfare Services at Police Mutual, said: "We are delighted to support such an innovative programme which is having real success in educating and deterring young people away from gun and knife crime. We hope the £2,000 we have pledged will allow South Yorkshire Police to continue to develop the initiative."

Inspector Rachel Usher, who leads the GAKTL project, added: "The financial support we have received from Police Mutual allows our initiative not only to continue, but also to develop. Each year we strive to improve our method of delivery and maintain our capability to reach every Year Eight student utilising existing operational resources; this becomes ever increasingly challenging.

"The success of  this project is entirely down to the firearms officers who dedicate themselves to this so tirelessly. These officers are really making a positive difference to our communities. The support that we have received from Police Mutual is invaluable."

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