Knife crime in schools is back in the headlines across Hampshire. And schools are a key focus in the police’s new action plan to tackle knife crime in Hampshire.
In this article, we look at the initiatives being taken to address knife crime in Hampshire’s schools.
TL;DR – Tackling knife crime in Hampshire’s schools
Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has launched a three-year knife crime reduction plan.
With schools named as a critical part of the strategy, leaders are encouraged to review their safeguarding measures
This includes the use of CCTV, access control, and emergency lockdown systems. These tools help prevent weapons from entering school premises and improve incident response.
Police Commissioner outlines plan to reduce knife crime in Hampshire
In a firm response to the rising number of knife-related incidents, Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has pledged to reduce knife crime by 20% over the next three years.
Speaking after a summit involving senior police officers, educators, youth workers, and safeguarding experts, Jones outlined a county-wide strategy focusing on education, prevention, and early intervention.
The goal: To engage with young people before they’re drawn into violence, while equipping schools and communities with the tools to protect themselves.
The announcement comes amid concerns about youth violence in urban centres and towns across the county, including Andover.
“Too many families across Hampshire have been impacted by knife crime. We need a joined-up approach—starting with early education, outreach, and the right systems in place to keep our schools and communities safe,” Jones said.
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What does this mean for school leaders in Hampshire?
While the Commissioner’s plans focus on outreach and education, school leaders are increasingly tasked with ensuring robust physical security to prevent weapons from entering school grounds and to keep pupils safe in the event of an incident.
Headteachers and safeguarding leads must ask: If an incident happened today, are our security systems ready?
Industry response: Supporting the school knife crime action plan
“We welcome this commitment from the Police and Crime Commissioner. It’s encouraging to see early intervention and school safety being prioritised. Many of the schools we work with in Hampshire are already taking proactive steps—installing CCTV, improving access control, and implementing lockdown procedures—to protect pupils and staff. These systems are a key part of modern safeguarding.”
— Steve Blackwell, Director, Safeguard Systems
Recommended security measures to deal with knife crime
In light of the Commissioner’s statement and the wider push for preventative action, the following systems are strongly recommended for schools across Hampshire:
1. Internal & external CCTV systems
High-definition CCTV systems installed in schools act as both a deterrent and an investigative tool. In school environments, CCTV helps to:
- Monitor perimeters, entrances, and communal areas
- Detect suspicious behaviour early
- Provide evidence in the event of an incident
- Support safeguarding policies with real-time visibility
Modern systems allow for remote access, data protection compliance, and integration with other school technologies. The benefits of CCTV systems for schools far outweigh the initial investment.
2. Lockdown systems for schools
In the event of a threat on or near school premises, lockdown protocols are essential. Systems can include:
- Automated door locking
- Emergency messaging across classrooms
- Panic buttons connected to alarms or the police
- Integration with PA or intercom systems for real-time instructions
Every second counts during an emergency—lockdown systems provide school staff with vital control and response capability.
Case study: School lockdown system
3. Access control & door security
Access control systems limit who can enter school buildings and grounds. These can include:
- Fob or card-based entry systems
- Visitor management with time-limited access
- Biometric or keypad entry in sensitive areas (e.g. server rooms, medical areas)
These tools help prevent unauthorised individuals from entering the premises, keeping pupils and staff safe.
Why physical security is part of the safeguarding solution
While education and outreach are crucial, physical security remains a frontline defence in school safety strategies.
Knife crime doesn’t always start in the classroom, but schools are often the places where interventions can succeed or fail.
By integrating modern security systems with robust safeguarding policies, Hampshire schools can:
- Deter potential threats
- Respond quickly and effectively
- Offer reassurance to staff, pupils, and parents
Final thoughts: Knife crime in Hampshire’s schools
With knife crime prevention now high on the agenda for Hampshire authorities, schools must be proactive in reviewing their security setup.
A combination of education, outreach, and the right physical infrastructure is key to protecting pupils from modern-day threats.
Speak to our team today about CCTV and lockdown systems for schools in Hampshire.
We design and install security systems tailored to your school’s safeguarding needs.
Article FAQs
Schools play a central role in early intervention and safeguarding. The Police Commissioner’s plan recognises that creating safe, secure learning environments is key to preventing young people from becoming involved in knife crime. Security systems like CCTV and lockdown mechanisms support those aims while giving staff better control in emergencies.
School CCTV systems should include high-definition cameras, remote monitoring capabilities, and coverage of key areas such as entrances, corridors, playgrounds, and perimeters. Compliance with GDPR and safeguarding regulations is essential. Modern systems can also integrate with access control or alarm systems for added security.
Lockdown systems allow schools to respond rapidly to threats by securing doors, alerting staff, and providing clear communication to everyone on-site. They can include panic buttons, automated access control, and integration with PA systems. These tools are vital in incidents involving weapons or intruders, helping protect staff and students until help arrives.
Access control restricts who can enter school grounds and buildings, making it harder for unauthorised individuals to gain access. Systems may include key cards, biometric entry, visitor management solutions, and timed access for external contractors. This strengthens day-to-day security and supports compliance with safeguarding obligations.
School leaders should assess current systems, identify potential vulnerabilities, and speak to a professional security provider for a site survey. Key areas to review include camera coverage, entry point security, lockdown capabilities, and emergency response plans. Acting now ensures schools are prepared should an incident occur in their area.
