TACKLING KNIFE AND GUN CRIME BY EDUCATING MERSEYSIDE'S YOUTH

In a bold and innovative move to tackle youth violence, Merseyside Police has launched Operation Prospect, a pioneering education initiative that has already reached more than 20,000 young people across Merseyside.

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At the heart of Operation Prospect is a powerful message: prevention through education. The programme is designed to help secondary school students understand the devastating consequences of knife and gun crime not just for individuals, but for families and entire communities.

Through immersive assemblies featuring real-life police scenarios, students witness the fast-paced decisions officers must make when responding to armed incidents.

These sessions are led by Matrix Firearms Officers and Safer Schools Officers, who bring their frontline experience directly into classrooms. Inspector Andrew Brabin from the Matrix Firearms Unit explains: "Our officers bring real-world experience into classrooms to drive honest conversations around serious violence. This kind of education is crucial to prevention."