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Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 20 March 2009

PCSOs with pupils from St John Evangelist RC School in Angel and council leader Cllr James Kempton, deputy leader Cllr Terry Stacy and Superintendent John Sutherland

School beat: Patrols win extra cash

POLICE community support officers will remain in Islington’s schools until at least 2011.
Islington was the first borough in London to put PCSOs in schools, back in November 2007.
Now, a pledge has been given to continue funding for the officers.
Islington Council has put up £460,000 since 2007 to pay for 14 officers and Arsenal Football Club contributes £80,000 a year to help provide four officers.
As part of their duties, officers have set up patrols around the main routes to school, run lunchtime Detective Clubs and talked to misbehaving pupils.
They have taken part in regular truancy sweeps, and last year helped identify 218 pupils who were out of school without permission.
Lib Dem deputy council leader Councillor Terry Stacy said: “We’re determined to do everything we can to keep our young people safe.
“That’s why we became the first place in London to put PCSOs in schools, something other boroughs are now looking at.
“It has been very successful with children, teachers and parents and we want to see the officers’ valuable work continue.”
For the police, Superintendent John Sutherland welcomed the continued funding. “As part of our commitment to keeping Islington safe, the PCSOs’ presence in schools is invaluable,” he said. “We look forward to working with the council to achieve even better results.”

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