Police officers in schools - is it reassuring or likely to cause anxiety?
Video report by Lise McNally.
This September, thousands of school children will return to the classroom after one of the most turbulent years of their lives.
They've faced sudden school closures, anxiety over coronavirus, the changes to how GCSE and A-Level grades are being awarded - and now some will return to school wearing face masks in corridors and communal areas.
In Greater Manchester, children may now also be more likely to come back to see a police officer based at their school, with plans to introduce 20 more school based PCs over the next academic year, as part of the Metro Mayor's Serious Violence Action Plan.
School based police officers are nothing new - many local authorities will link schools and police officers with the aim of building better community relationships and reducing youth violence.
But opponents have raised serious concerns about how these decisions are made - warning that it could lead to increased anxiety, cause young people to feel criminalised, create a culture of low expectation, and widen existing inequalities.
'I didn't feel like they were there to keep me safe'
Lisa had a police officer based at her school when she was in year 10 and 11.
She says it made her feel "very anxious and uncomfortable" - and meant she no longer felt able to approach her teachers about issues that were bothering her, as she felt her behaviour was being monitored.
'Decriminalise the classroom' report
A joint report by the Northern Police Monitoring Project and the Kids of Colour group in Manchester has raised concerns about the impact of police in schools.
They surveyed 544 people, including pupils, parents and teachers and found that:
Dr Remi Joseph-Salisbury is a lecturer in race and education, and is a member of the Northern Police Monitoring Project.
He said "As this report details, school-based police have a range of negative consequences that are felt most acutely by those from working-class and ethnic minority communities. It is vital that the Mayor’s office acts swiftly to protect learning environments and create a culture of high expectations within our schools."
'Widen existing inequalities'
Roxy Legane, who co-authored the report and directs the Kids of Colour Group in Manchester, feels that an increased police presence in schools will seriously impact the mental health of many working class children and children of colour.
'A plan to build positive relationships'
Greater Manchester Police told ITV News that school leaders had asked for their support in providing a safe place for young people, supporting education about issues such as road safety, drugs, and knife violence.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “The feedback we receive from teaching staff and students is overwhelmingly positive."
'Figures of trust'
Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Policing, Crime and Criminal Justice, said the GMCA is committing to make sure schools are safe places for young people and staff.
She said the current plan for 20 officers will be based in the schools with the greatest need - raising awareness of the dangers of violent or anti-social behaviour - but "it will only happen if a school asks for the support."
She added "We want the officers to be personable, approachable and to become figures of trust for the young people with whom they are working.”