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More than 11,000 young people across Merseyside have taken part in a school-based initiative aimed at tackling serious youth violence and weapon crime.
Operation Prospect, launched in November 2024, delivers powerful assemblies to secondary school students using video, roleplay and real-life scenarios to highlight the dangers of carrying weapons and the ripple effects of violence on communities.
The programme is a joint effort by Merseyside Police’s Safer Schools Coordinator Faye Smith, the Matrix Firearms Unit and local educators. It also includes follow-up sessions with Safer Schools Officers to explore key topics in more detail and offer students further support.
At the heart of the presentation is a simulated police firearms incident, designed to show how fast decisions are made in real-time, challenge the stigma around speaking out, and encourage students to think critically about their actions and the influence of peer pressure.
Temporary Chief Constable Chris Green attended several sessions at his former school in Croxteth. “I was so impressed by the young people’s engagement and the thoughtful questions they asked. Breaking down barriers, providing role models and encouraging young people to speak up is vital to keeping them safe,” he said.
“In just six months, we’ve reached 11,000 students across 31 schools. We’re proud of the impact Operation Prospect is having – helping young people understand the consequences of carrying weapons, recognise exploitation, and feel more confident in asking for help.”
Faye Smith, Safer Schools Co-ordinator.
Students are also signposted to report concerns anonymously through Fearless, a service run by the charity Crimestoppers, or to speak to a trusted adult.
Holy Family Catholic High School is one of many schools to have hosted the sessions. Assistant Headteacher Peter Westbury said: “The presentation had a huge impact on our students. It got them thinking about real-life consequences and what to do if they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation. I’d encourage every school to get involved.”
Inspector Andrew Brabin from the Matrix Firearms Unit said reaching 11,000 young people marks a key milestone for the project. “Our officers bring real-world experience into classrooms to drive honest conversations around serious violence. This kind of education is crucial to prevention.”
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