‘Robust’ words upset students

A teenager has criticised the “intolerant rant” a police officer used when addressing students at a Spalding school.

Two officers spoke to a school assembly about anti-social behaviour issues in the town centre.

“One officer was polite, engaging and informative.

“The second officer seemed to believe that all of us were guilty and commenced an intolerant rant, threatening us with dire consequences, including arrest and prosecution,” said the student, who declined to be named.

But Spalding sector inspector Gareth Boxall said it was important for officers to “robustly” warn young people of the consequences of anti-social behaviour.

“I was astonished and upset by the assumption that such disgusting behaviour could be attributed to anyone from my school.

“I was too frightened to speak in front of the whole school and challenge this officer. I am also not supposed to speak publicly about what happens at school. However, if the police want the support of young people, the vast majority of whom support them, they should treat us with good manners and respect, not collectively threaten our whole school,” said the student.

But Insp Boxall said “It is important for us to engage with children of secondary school age who might be involved in these incidents or be on the periphery of getting involved. I am happy to pass on the feedback, as it is important for us to strike the right tone.

However, it is equally important for us to robustly tell young people that anti-social behaviour is not acceptable and the consequences.”