Watch the interview with Special Sergeant Lauren Whitworth talking about the importance of educating young people on knife crime

Special Sergeant Lauren Whitworth volunteers her time to patrol the streets of Trafford alongside her full-time role as Head of Maths at a high school in Trafford.

During her time as a Special, Lauren has responded to many incidents across Greater Manchester but the one that affected her most deeply was the death of 16-year-old Kennie Carter.

Kennie was fatally stabbed and killed on 22 January 2022, and at the time Lauren was one of the first responding officers at the scene. It was an incredibly difficult time but Lauren never thought about leaving the force because she knew she could help make a difference.

She’s now someone who speaks out against knife crime and often has conversations with her students about the dangers of carrying knives.

When asked about the importance of talking about knife crime with children and young people, Lauren said: “It’s made me realise how important it is that we all - as a community and as a society - keep this issue on the table. I talk to my students about the risks of carrying knives and I’ve previously asked a group of young people how many of them have seen someone else carrying a knife. It was about 80%. A significant number also said they had been threatened by a knife. It’s important that we as adults are able to have frank conversations with young people.”

Finally, she shared a message to anyone who might be carrying a knife or thinking of carrying one: “Knife crime is a pointless act for both the victim and offender. It is devastating to their lives, to their future, to their friends and family’s future. It cuts lives short. I would say to anyone who is thinking about carrying a knife – don’t, stop, do not carry a knife. And if that though goes through your head, speak to somebody and ask for their help.”

We all have a part to play in fighting, preventing and reducing knife crime. If you know or suspect someone is carrying a knife, please report it immediately - before it is too late. You can contact GMP via gmp.police.uk or 101.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers also have a dedicated website which enables 11 – 17 year olds to pass on information anonymously – this can be accessed through Fearless.org

In an emergency, always dial 999.