High school gets its own police woman

The pilot scheme at Durrington High sees PC Claudine Hetzel taking on the new role of school intervention officer at The Boulevard school.

She is based in school for two days a week and works within the local community of Durrington for two shifts after school each week, targeting hotspot areas of crime and antisocial behaviour.

Her aims are to build a positive relationship with the pupils, reduce truancy and prevent problems that sometimes lead to exclusion.

She said: "I am working with the children inside and outside the school, offering advice and helping prevent them from getting into trouble.

"I am also offering support to their parents and teachers and outside agencies in an effort to prevent crime both within the school and the surrounding community."

PC Hetzel joined the school in April and has already helped tackle some incidents of bullying, as well as advising year 11 pupils and parents about behaviour at the end-of-year prom.

She said: "It's a very rewarding role, especially when you start seeing results from the work you are doing."

She will also be focusing on any children whose behaviour is having a significant impact on the local community. If necessary, they will be asked to sign acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs), with the co-operation of their parents, in a further effort to reduce school exclusion.

If these are not successful, PC Hetzel can gather evidence for antisocial behaviour orders (Asbos).

Mark Anstiss, deputy headteacher at Durrington High, said the pupils were reacting positively to PC Hetzel.

He said: "So far, things are working very successfully. The pupils have accepted PC Hetzel and are starting to turn to her for advice. But, it's still a very new role and is constantly evolving."

Sue Marooney, headteacher, said: "We are excited by the potential of this initiative. We know that parents and teachers are concerned about the impact antisocial behaviour by a minority can have on the progress of children at school.

"We hope that PC Hetzel's presence in and around the school will be a positive influence that further improves the learning atmosphere in our school."