The long arm of the law will be reaching into two secondary schools.

The Academy Enterprise Trust (AET), which runs Witham’s two academies, and Essex Police are match-funding a police community support officer (PCSO) to work with Maltings Academy and New Rickstones Academy.

PCSO Lewis Robertson will work alongside full-time Safer Schools Partnership Officer (SSPO) Carl Crysell, who has been working with the schools for about two years.

Chief Supt Michelle Dunn, Divisional Commander for Central Division, said: “I’m a huge fan of having schools officers working directly with, and in, our schools.

“Braintree district has been at the forefront of the schools officer initiative, and I’m delighted that we have now secured the first match-funded PCSO in academy schools anywhere in Essex. Schools are the very heart of the community, and we will always work very closely with them.”

Both officers will help deliver the regular Crucial Crew, Reality Roadshow, Being Safe and 2SMART police initiatives, which aim to educate youngsters about issues like bullying, alcohol, and personal safety both on the streets and the internet.

Ian Foster, Chairman of the AET, said: “This is a pathfinder initiative, fully in tune with the Government’s white paper on best practice in putting schools at the heart of the community, and initiatives such as Every Child Matters. We’re delighted to work closely with Essex Police in this fashion.”

In addition to their educational role, police officers in schools have a key part to play in early intervention programmes.

When youngsters cause criminal damage or commit theft or assault on school premises, the early intervention programme clicks in. For example, where appropriate, a bully may be brought face to face with his victim, in the presence of parents, key school pastoral staff, the family support worker, and the SSPO.

Norman Wilson, Chairman of governors at New Rickstones Academy and Frank Butler, Chairman of governors at Maltings Academy, said: “This is an excellent arrangement which shows the determination of the Witham academies and the local police force to work together. We look forward to a developing relationship which will help to provide greater levels of community engagement and social wellbeing. This is a very positive step for Witham.”