Sandwell Council and West Midlands Police have met with local head teachers to launch a new police and schools panel to help promote safety.

The new panel will identify opportunities for improved working relationships with partner organisations and agencies as well as tackling difficult social issues.

Chief Superintendent Richard Baker, Sandwell Police commander and chair of the Safer Sandwell Partnership, said: “Engaging with young people and doing all we can to make sure they are safe is so important.

“By using our strong partnership links in Sandwell and working closely with head teachers and schools, we can really make a difference.”

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services, said: "It's really important we work together with schools, with parents and carers and with children and young people to promote safety. I am really pleased to hear this panel has been set up."

Councillor Elaine Costigan, cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “We believe a strong, well-planned senior partnership between the police, schools and other agencies will provide a safer and more prosperous future for young people in Sandwell."

Sandwell’s Vision for 2030 sets out 10 ambitions to be delivered by the council and its partners over the next 12 years – feeling safe is a top priority. As part of this Vision, the council and partners will continue to talk with young people about how they see themselves and the borough in the future.

The aims of the police and schools panel are to:

•           Increase trust in policing and wider authorities and services

•           Reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in local areas

•           Increase young people’s sense of safety

•           Reduce levels of offending and re-offending

•           Improve attendance and attainment in school

The Safer Sandwell Partnership’s autumn Safer 6 campaign, which runs for six weeks, is currently in full swing across Sandwell’s six towns.

Supporting young people, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and working with partner organisations and local people are all a key focus in the campaign.