Weapons in Schools 2021 - 2024
26th November 2024
Our Ref: FOI2024/07569
Request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 Ref No: FOI2024/07569
I write in connection with your request for information received on 29th October. I note you seek access to the following information:
I am writing to you under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to request the following information for the past three academic years (Sept 2021-Aug 2022, Sept 2022-Aug 2023 and Sept 2023 - Aug 2024):
1. The number of reported incidents of each of the following offences:
a. Threaten with an offensive weapon on school premises
b. Possession of offensive weapon on school premises without lawful authority or reasonable excuse
c. Having an article with a blade or point on school premises
d. Threaten with a blade or sharply pointed article on school premises
2. In each case, please could you give details of the type of weapon, the type of school
premises involved (primary or secondary), details of who it was in possession of the weapon (for example their age, if they are a staff member or pupil), and the outcome of the offence (where known).
I would prefer to receive all the information electronically.
I am required by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (The Act) to handle all requests in a manner that is blind to the identity of the requestor. Any information released in response to a request is regarded as being published and therefore, in the public domain without caveat.
Response - Following enquiries with Cambridgeshire Constabulary please see our response below.
|
Crime Type |
2021/22 |
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
Total |
|
Having an article with a blade or point on school/further education premises. |
15 |
17 |
10 |
42 |
|
Possession of other offensive weapon on school/further education premises. |
5 |
9 |
4 |
18 |
|
Threaten with a blade or sharply pointed article on school/further education premises. |
1 |
5 |
2 |
8 |
|
Threaten with an offensive weapon on school/further education premises. |
|
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Total |
21 |
32 |
17 |
70 |
|
Type of Weapon - Indicative - From MO Text Search |
2021/22 |
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
Total |
|
Hammer |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
|
Kitchen Items (other thank knife) |
1 |
- |
- |
1 |
|
Knife/Blade |
20 |
28 |
15 |
63 |
|
Knuckle Duster |
- |
2 |
- |
2 |
|
Scissors |
- |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Substance |
- |
1 |
- |
1 |
|
Total |
21 |
32 |
17 |
70 |
|
|
2021/22 |
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
Total |
|
School |
12 |
12 |
7 |
31 |
|
Academy |
7 |
7 |
7 |
21 |
|
College |
2 |
13 |
3 |
18 |
|
Total |
21 |
32 |
17 |
70 |
|
Age of Suspect |
2021/22 |
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
Total |
|
10 and under |
3 |
2 |
- |
5 |
|
11-12 |
3 |
10 |
7 |
20 |
|
13-14 |
11 |
8 |
3 |
22 |
|
15-16 |
4 |
6 |
4 |
14 |
|
17-18 |
- |
3 |
- |
3 |
|
19 and over |
- |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
Suspect Age Not Present |
- |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Total |
21 |
32 |
17 |
70 |
|
Outcome |
2021/22 |
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
Total |
|
Charged |
2 |
- |
1 |
3 |
|
Community Resolution |
4 |
6 |
5 |
15 |
|
Dealt with by Partner Agency |
3 |
- |
3 |
6 |
|
Diversionary, educational or intervention activity being undertaken |
4 |
9 |
- |
13 |
|
Evidential difficulties prevent further action; victim supports police action |
1 |
10 |
- |
11 |
|
Prosecution prevented – suspect under age |
3 |
- |
- |
3 |
|
Youth Caution |
4 |
5 |
2 |
11 |
|
Evidential difficulties prevent further action; victim does not support police action |
- |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Not in public interest (Police decision) |
- |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Adult Simple Caution |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
|
Investigation complete - no suspect identified |
- |
- |
2 |
2 |
|
Under Investigation/No Outcome |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
21 |
32 |
17 |
70 |
The numerical data presented in this response is an un-audited snapshot of un-published data sourced from "live" systems and is subject to the interpretation of the original request by the individual extracting the data.