Pupils learn that 'Actions have Consequences' during the Operation Sceptre Week of Action

Earlier this week, as part of Operation Sceptre – the national week of action to combat knife crime – officers from GMP’s Oldham District joined forces with Paul McGovern MBE, to deliver an ‘Actions have Consequences’ and ‘Save a Life Drop the Knife’ session to pupils at a primary school in Oldham.

Ran by Paul McGovern MBE, a dog handler HMP Manchester, the 'Actions have Consequnces' programme has been rolled out to more than one million children across the country over the last twelve years.

The aim of the programme is to build bridges between local children, their teachers, local neighbourhood policing teams, School Engagement Officers and the youth offending team.

The session was filled with fun interactive activities for the children and their teachers to take part, as well thought-provoking messages about the negative impact that knife crime, anti-social behaviour and drugs can have, with an emphasis of choosing a positive path and making the right decisions.

During the two-hour workshop, pupils from year groups 3,4, 5 and 6 also learned how to make 999 calls, how to report a crime — and the consequences of getting into trouble, such as having a criminal record.

As part of the session, Chief Inspector Gareth Firth from GMP's Oldham District, presented the school with a ‘Community Pupil of the Year’ plaque which will be awarded every year, to a pupil from the school that does something positive to help their community.

GMP’s knife crime lead, Superintendent Caroline Hemingway, was also in attendance and spoke to the children about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife, the importance of looking out for your friends and the various ways that young people can report concerns around knife crime.

When speaking at the session, Superintendent Hemingway, said: “GMP has worked closely with Paul for a number of years, as we believe that early intervention work such as this, is a vital tool in knife crime prevention. The sessions also help to build positive relationships between children, their teachers and the police.

“GMP and our partners in the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, treat knife crime incredibly seriously, and whilst operational activity plays a significant part in tackling the issue across Greater Manchester, we recognise that one of the best things we can is to to provide early intervention and educate young people from a young age, to help them understand the dangers and consequences of knife crime and other criminal activity.

“By working closely with young people, parents, and our wider communities, we can identify those involved in knife crime, address the root causes, educate our communities, provide preventative advice, and ensure those carrying and using weapons are brought to justice.”

If you’re worried a young person is at risk or is involved in violence, help and support is available.

Speaking out could save a life – Video stresses #SpeakingOutCouldSaveALife following fatal stabbings - Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (gmvru.co.uk)

Talk to someone you trust. Report concerns online at www.gmp.police.uk , or call 101. Give information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting www.fearless.org. In an emergency always dial 999.