Officers from the Stansted Airport Community Policing Team visited Stansted Airport College on Tuesday 2 December to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and knife crime.

 Operation Sceptre focuses on tackling serious violence, drug-related offences and knife crime. Its aim is to keep communities safe and support efforts to catch criminals.

A knife arch was set up at the main entrance to screen students as they entered the campus, providing officers with an opportunity to engage with them.

Officers also spent time in classrooms, speaking with students about Operation Sceptre, drug-related risks and the dangers associated with carrying a knife.

PC Conor Fields, Stansted Airport Community Policing Team, said: “We’re always keen to work alongside the staff at the college to ensure students are aware of the dangers of carrying knives, which is a serious offence. We also want to raise awareness of the impacts of drug use and the associated risks.

“We are glad of this chance to meet with the students and answer their questions and to support the college in providing a safe environment for everyone.”

Head of Centre, Victoria Clayden-Smith, said: “We are very happy to be working closely with Stansted Airport Police as we focus on compliance and professional behaviours, supporting the work they do to keep our community safe.

“We are committed to ensuring all of our trainees feel safe on campus and this is just one initiative that helps us to maintain a safe learning space for all. Our trainees will also be benefiting from guest talks throughout the day to understand how they can keep themselves safe and also gain an insight into the work of the Airport Police.”

Find out more about how Operation Sceptre tackles serious violence, drugs and knife crime, helping to keep you safe and supporting our work to catch criminals: https://www.essex.police.uk/opsceptre