Police Funding Announced For New Children's Education Programme

Donna Jones has announced funding for a major new education programme designed to help keep children safe across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The online resource, known as Pol-Ed, has been fully funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner and will be made available to all early years, school and post-16 education providers across the 2 counties until March 2027.

The programme, written by teachers with support from police professionals, aims to help young people better understand risk, healthy relationships, the law and the consequences of their actions.

Donna Jones said: “I want children from an early age to be able to understand how they can stay safe.

“Early intervention and prevention are key to reducing crime and it’s why I continue to invest in projects like this through my Violence Reduction Unit and commissioning team.”

The lessons use up-to-date Home Office data and research, allowing schools to tailor sessions to issues affecting their communities, including knife crime, anti-social behaviour, drugs and racist abuse.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Tara McGovern said: “Pol-Ed is a significant step forward in prevention and its introduction here is very welcome.”

The £40,000 investment will also make the service available to Youth Justice Services and voluntary organisations.

A free online launch event is due to take place on 8 June.