Police called into schools
Police are being called to more than 100 incidents a month at schools across Dudley borough, it has been revealed.
Rowdy behaviour, possession of fireworks, recorded crimes and road accidents are some of the reasons why schools have called police a total of 1,062 times between April 1, 2006 and February 28 this year.
There were 34 occasions where at least one arrest was made following a call from a school in the borough.
But West Midlands Police have declined to identify where they have attended incidents because they fear it could damage the relationships between the schools and the force.
During the 10-month period, 117 calls to police required an 'immediate response', meaning there could have been a direct threat to life or serious injury or a crime in progress.
And a further 203 of the calls required the police to make an 'early response' meaning the police needed to attend as soon as priorities allowed, 68 of which were for nuisance, rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour.
Most calls to police – 279 – were for incidents of recorded crime.
Councillor Liz Walker, cabinet member for children's services, said: "I am disappointed that schools are being forced into the position of calling the police for whatever reason. The numbers of calls is a cause for concern but I was aware even in my own circle that this kind of thing is happening more and more.
"But I would trust schools' judgement about whether the calls need to be made. I have no doubt that children are reasonably safe but this typifies the society we live in."
