Steve Challinor, Keys Police Liaison Officer
At Keys Group we are firm believers that prevention is far better than cure. As part of this we work closely with neighbourhood policing teams, as well as having our own dedicated Police Liaison Officer, encouraging a positive relationship between the young people we support and the police.
One of the recent projects Keys have been involved with is having Humberside Policing Early Intervention Teams spend time in Keys South Park Enterprise College, a specialist school for young people with complex behavioural needs.
As a result of this collaboration, Head Teacher Linda Bennett, explains that there have already been a signification reduction in exclusions, far less instances of the school needing to contact the police on the non-emergency line, fewer assaults on staff and less substance misuse.
In addition to the reduction in negative outcomes, young people at the college are responding to the police in a much more positive way than before. This helps build up the young person’s trust and cooperation with the police force, viewing them as an invaluable source of help when needed – a vital skill for all young people in life.
In house Police Liaison Officer
Keys Police Liaison Officer, Steve Challinor, who is a member of our Specialist Support Team, served as a Police Officer for 30 years, the majority of which was as a Detective where he managed CID teams, child protection teams and major investigation teams. He has also operated as a member of the Serious and Organised Crime Agency, where he provided advice and guidance to senior police officers in respect of major crime investigation.
At Keys Group Steve works closely with homes, helping them build positive relationships with their local police force and is actively working to reduce incidents of police involvement with the young people. He provides advice and support to Keys Managers, Head Teachers and Police Forces and takes part in strategic and professional meetings.
Steve’s specialist support significantly reduces the number of young people at Keys Group becoming involved with the law. Any anti-social behaviour can be addressed at an early stage and attempts can be made to try and prevent it from escalating to a level where legal action is taken. This ongoing support helps young people to be well equipped so they can make informed choices in life and not experience the constraints that holding a criminal record may have.
