Pubdate: Mon, 01 Dec 2014
Source: Manchester Evening News (UK)
Contact:  2014 Manchester Evening News
Website: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1313
Author: Dan Thompson
Page: 4

99 PUPILS FOUND WITH DRUGS AT SCHOOL - BUT ONLY SIX CHARGED

Chief Constable Says Force Has Policy of Not Criminalising Children 
With Small Amounts of Illegal Substances

ALMOST 100 pupils have been found with illegal drugs in Greater 
Manchester's schools over the last three years - but charges were 
only brought in six cases.

Dozens of pupils have been caught with cannabis

The vast majority of the pupils caught had cannabis, but some were 
discovered with class A drugs - including heroin and ecstasy.

Most of the incidents related to secondary schools, although police 
were called to two primary schools after pupils inadvertenly brought 
suspicous or illegal substances in from home. Figures, obtained by 
the M.E.N. using Freedom of Information laws, show that Greater 
Manchester Police dealt with 99 drug crimes involving students at 
schools between January 2012 and September this year.

But only six of them were charged or issued with a summons. 
Three-quarters were given either a caution or were dealt with by 
'community resolutions' - a ticking off by a police officer which 
means the offence is not dealt with by the justice system.

GMP Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy said: "The policy of Greater 
Manchester Police is that young people should not be criminalised for 
possession of small amounts of drugs, but on the other hand, their 
behaviour should be confronted and cases are referred to the Youth 
Offending Service to ensure that young people understand the consequences."

GMP has recorded 29 drug crimes in schools so far this year. There 
were a total of 28 drug crimes in schools in 2013. A student, who was 
found in possession of class A drug with intent to supply at 
Saddleworth School, in Uppermill, Oldham, received a caution. 
According to GMP's figures, there were a total of 42 drug crimes in 
schools in 2012. On one occasion, a student was charged after being 
found with heroin at Prestwich Arts College.

But another student, caught in possession of heroin with intent to 
supply at Elton High in Bury the same year, was given a caution.

The figures reveal that, in six of the 99 cases, police decided that 
action against the student was not in the public interest. 
'Evidential difficulties' prevented officers pursuing a further five. 
A 'cannabis warning' was issued in one case while another was dealt 
with by a penalty notice.

In four calls to GMP, no suspect could be identified, while the 
outcome of two incidents was not provided by the police.

John Edwards, director of education and skills at Manchester council, 
said: "The fact that schools have reported their concerns about 
individual pupils and drugs to the police demonstrates the ongoing 
vigilance they have when it comes to keeping pupils safe."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom