In understanding how the work of Safer Schools Officers has a policing purpose, it is necessary to define a policing purpose in the context of law enforcement. Therefore, under section 31 of the Data Protection Act 2018 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/12/section/31), law enforcement purposes are specifically defined as the following:
 
“The prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, including the safeguarding against and the prevention of threats to public security.” (covered by Part 3 of the DPA 2018)
 
The term ‘safeguarding purposes’ in the Code reflects the work of police and other agencies in protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of individuals at risk.

How does the definition of a policing purpose translate to the work of Safer Schools Officers within Safer School Partnerships?

For clarity, I have split the definition of a policing purpose into three categories; crime prevention, investigation and detection, and safeguarding. The following are examples of the activities Safer Schools Officers carry out in relation to its policing purpose:

Crime prevention

• SSOs understanding the policing issues in and around schools through crime analysis
• Regularly checking police indices for school related crime and intelligence
• After school/hot-spot patrols in key areas at key times responding to crime and ASB (intel and research-led)
• Truancy patrols
• Education initiatives aimed at deterring criminal behaviour (reacting to local issues as per crime analysis)
• Creating early intervention and diversion opportunities for young people (requires regular meetings with schools to identify emerging issues)
• Performing weapon sweeps of identified ‘hot spots’
• Delivery of screening arch operations where agreed by the schools

Investigation and Detection

• Sharing information with schools to identify suspect(s) (and potential victims)
• Gather evidence against individuals suspected of committing crimes (requires good relationship with schools)
• Apprehending suspects of youth related crime (requires good relationship with schools)
• Speaking to school about local crime and ASB problems so school can also use their own behaviour policy to address issues
• Providing effective outcomes for victims and offenders (Child first and trauma informed approaches)
• Restorative approach in partnership with schools staff
  

Safeguarding

• Working with schools to ensure outcomes positively affect young people for the long-term
• Provide enhanced victim care to young people
• Sharing information on gang tensions that may affect the school community
• Engagement with parents at the school gates
  

What is NOT the role of the Safer Schools Officer?

The following are examples of activities a Safer Schools police officer should not be carrying out in their day-to-day work and do not have a policing purpose.

• Intervene in altercations between pupils where a member of school staff is available
• Undertake playground duties in place of school staff at break times
• Accompany a pupil away from the school
• Provide a personal contact number to the school as an emergency contact
• Telling the school they can contact a SSO any time outside of your working hours
• Complete a CAF (Common Assessment Framework) referral
• Carrying out an activity with NO Police power, under the authority of the Head teacher