Students engaged with a range of guest speakers, interactive activities, and real-world case studies aimed at deterring weapon-carrying and promoting personal safety.
The event highlighted the scale of the knife-crime issue both locally and nationally. Students learned that:
- On average, there is one fatal stabbing every three days in the UK
- Incidents involving a knife have increased by 81% in the last 10 years
- In the last year alone, 262 people in England and Wales were murdered with a knife or sharp instrument, 40 of whom were under 18
- One in three people are injured with their own knife, demonstrating the dangers of carrying a weapon for ‘protection’
- In 2024, 631 knife crimes were recorded in Nottinghamshire schools – averaging 16 incidents per week
- Across the UK, there is an average of 282 knife-related offences every day.
They could also watch a presentation on screen which showed the long-lasting impact that knife crime can have on people’s lives.
The Street Doctor, Jesse Anim, provided hands-on CPR training using a medical mannequin. Students, including Oscar Suter and Max Meehan, practised critical first-aid techniques designed to help save lives in the event of a stabbing.
The presentation also introduced students to trauma-response innovations such as the Blood Kit App, highlighted during the trauma doctor’s session.
Representatives Nicole Cann and Jane Owers from Got Your Back – Remedi’s youth victim support service – offered guidance on help available to anyone under 18 who has been victimised. Nicole and Jane also explained how young people can access emotional, practical, and legal support following traumatic incidents.
Nottinghamshire Police staff Katie Hewerdine, Tremayne Blair, and Vallon Zanzala delivered a detailed briefing on local knife-crime trends, legal consequences, and young people’s vulnerability to exploitation through county lines.
Key legal reminders included that carrying a knife can lead to up to four years in prison, even if it is not used. A board of real local headlines showed recent incidents across the county, prompting thoughtful questions from students.
Sergeant Graham Witt spoke about the risks associated with drugs and drink spiking, helping students understand how quickly a night out can turn dangerous. He highlighted to students about the serious health effects of mixing drugs and alcohol.
Operation Sceptre continues to play a crucial role in education and prevention across Nottinghamshire. By combining powerful testimonies, practical demonstrations, and factual insight, the event empowered West Nottinghamshire College students to make informed, safe choices.
Support coach James Santiago-Bravo said: “The feedback from the students was that the roadshow was a really good experience, and they took away a lot of knowledge around the consequences of carrying knives, as well as getting involved in drug and alcohol issues. They took part in a range of exercises to see how they would react in a variety of situations.
“I’m delighted that we are now in the process of organising a visit early next year to the police headquarters in Arnold for those students who are interested in joining the police force.”
Tremayne Blair, Nottinghamshire Police’s youth outreach and engagement co-ordinator, said: “The message is clear, knives ruin lives and there is never any excuse for anyone to be carrying these weapons on our streets. Our work to engage with young people across Nottinghamshire during our roadshow has been really well received, and the students have been enthusiastic to listen, learn, and tell us about their concerns.
“The voice of young people is really important in what is often a difficult conversation to help equip teenagers with the life skills needed to enable them to navigate any challenges they may experience.
“The decision to carry and use knives has devastating consequences. This is why it is so important that we speak with young people and educate them on the topic if they find themselves in a scenario where they ever consider carrying or using a weapon.
“Preventing anyone from picking up a knife in the first place is vital to reducing knife crime, and that is why early intervention and education are so significant.
“We will continue to work in partnership with schools and colleges to speak directly with young people as we endeavour to change mindsets that it is never acceptable to carry a knife.”