Reintroduction of programme addressing violent crime rolled out in Derby Schools.

Published: 1 February 2022

Derby City Council have joined with the Police Multi-Agency Disruption Team to roll out ’Your Choice,’ a programme aimed at young people, which is being rolled out across City Secondary schools this term. The programme tackles topics including knife crime, gang behaviour, exploitation, and many other serious and violent crimes that young people may experience around them.  

The programme is being led by Dr Manny Barot and Jason Farmer. Both leads have experienced the topics that will be discussed in their own lives. By having personal discussions and conducting workshops with the students, it presents a vital opportunity for serious and organised crimes to become de-glamourised.

The programme splits the day into two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The morning session will focus on multiple presentations to full year groups in which the presenter shares their personal stories and experiences regarding criminality and offers an opportunity to ask questions about their encounters with such.  The hope of these presentations is to give the students an opportunity to get a glimpse into the world of crime and the realistic impacts of being a part of it, with an ongoing theme that, ultimately, it is your life and ‘Your Choice’.  

The afternoon session focuses on increased interaction and discussing topics with a smaller group of a maximum of 15 students. The workshop will help build up decision making, dispute resolution and anger management skills, analyses the impacts of discrimination and delves into the term of ‘joint enterprise.’ There will also be an opportunity for those participating to discuss future aspirations and what development and skills they need to reach their goals.

Councillor Matthew Eyre, Cabinet member for Place and Community Development, said:

We must make sure that young people who are growing up in Derby are safe and have a protecting and supportive network within their schools where topics, including criminal behaviour and its consequences, are openly and thoroughly discussed.

YourChoice’ allows the younger generation in Derby to ask questions about issues they may be facing or may experience or witness during their lives and seek guidance that they perhaps would not have gotten elsewhere. We hope this program can help guide young people towards the best future for them, their loved ones and for everyone in society.”

This year, more actions are being taken to help create a safer environment for those who visit, live and work in Derby. To help reduce anti-social behaviour, members of the Public Protection Team have recently relocated to Riverside Chambers in order to be closer to the heart of Derby city where they are needed most. Additionally, new Public Space Protection Orders have also come into effect, which combat anti-social behaviour and the disposal of dog faeces across the whole of Derby.

Crime