A WISBECH secondary school now has a full time police officer and PCSO.PC Dave Marsh and PCSO Dan Thomas are based at Thomas Clarkson Community College as part of the Government s Safer Schools Partnership.They work closely with the school to:n Reduce

A WISBECH secondary school now has a full time police officer and PCSO.

PC Dave Marsh and PCSO Dan Thomas are based at Thomas Clarkson Community College as part of the Government's Safer Schools Partnership.

They work closely with the school to:

n Reduce bullying and violent behaviour

n Reduce substance abuse in the school and wider community

n Develop crime prevention strategies

n Improve attendance

n Support vulnerable people

n Promote a disruption-free learning environment

n Develop conflict resolution skills

PC Marsh and PCSO Thomas will also work with the school to divert young people from social exclusion and criminality and will identify those who are at risk of becoming victims or offenders, as well as those who already are.

PC Marsh said: "We have already been working closely with pupils from Thomas Clarkson and have promoted activities which put something back into the community.

"Activities so far have included litter picking across Wisbech and the restoration of a cemetery and its building.

"Further projects will include gardening in areas with residential care homes to promote teamwork and respect for people and property.

"A number of children painted a building in Leverington Cemetery as part of their project to regenerate the area.

"They have been working with us and Jeanette Milner, the district council's street pride coordinator to tidy the place up, do some gardening, painting, and litter picking.

"The children are from years eight and nine and are on a programme to hopefully reintegrate them back into mainstream schooling rather than exclude them and have them on the streets.

"Staff at the school have already said the projects are having a positive effect and pupils' behaviour has improved as they learn the benefits of teamwork.