Following its early success, a ground-breaking initiative is again offering young people an immersive, hands-on experience to understand the impact of knife crime through a week-long programme that mirrors a real-life investigation.

Developed by Northumbria Police, and in partnership with the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, Trainee Detective Week enabled 25 students from Jesmond Park Academy to step into the role of junior detectives.

Over the course of the week, they explored the devastating impact of knife crime while developing vital life skills that will help them make safer choices for their future.

The programme began with a powerful session led by Tanya and Simon Brown of the Connor Brown Trust, who shared the heart-break of losing their son Connor to knife crime in 2019.

In a moving exercise, they asked the students to help solve Connor’s murder, with the group becoming immersed in a simulated investigation, beginning with a reconstructed crime scene.

Utilising immersive technology at Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall Campus, the students were transported to a virtual recreation of the events leading up to Connor’s death, and guided by police and forensic staff, they were able to put their learning and investigative techniques into practice.

A session with medical staff provided further insight into the realities of knife injuries, which can lead to devastating outcomes for victims and their families, highlighting the vital and urgent work of first responders.

As the week progressed, students analysed the evidence and built their case, with a visit to the magistrates’ court in Bedlington, providing them with a first-hand look at how the justice system handles knife crime.

The programme also emphasised teamwork, incorporating activities that encouraged clear communication and collaboration as students worked together to solve the case.

The week culminated in a presentation where students showcased their findings and received recognition for their understanding of the impact of knife crime, and the importance of preventing it.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “There is never a right time to carry a knife, and we know the tragic consequences that it can have. I don’t want to see another family left heartbroken, or a community destroyed as a result of knife crime, which is why we must continue doing all we can to tackle the issue.”

“Through innovative technology and real-life case studies, Trainee Detective Week provides an impactful way for young people to understand the harm caused by knife crime, and look at how it can be prevented.”

“It puts young people at the forefront of a real-life investigation, taking them on a journey that shows the devastating consequences of knife crime while equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to make informed decisions.”

“By immersing students in every aspect of the investigative process, we’re empowering them to think about the impact of their actions and work together to create safer, stronger communities.”

“My thanks to all those involved in making this programme possible, including Northumbria Police, the Violence Reduction Unit and Northumberland College, but also to Tanya and Simon Brown, who after losing their son Connor to knife crime, continue to do all they can to educate young people on the dangers of carrying and using knives.”

Chief Inspector Angela Hewitt, of Northumbria Police’s Prevention Department, said: “As a Force, we sadly know all too well the utter devastation that knife crime can cause. This innovative programme is a great way of explaining to our young people the danger of carrying and using knives.”

“We hope that by taking part in the course, the students have understood how by choosing to pick up a knife you can not only destroy your own life, but the lives of those around you too.”

“I’d also like to pay tribute once again to Tanya and Simon Brown for their unwavering and invaluable support in the fight to prevent knife crime.”

“Together, alongside our partners and through producing courses such as Trainee Detective Week we can continue to educate younger generations so that more lives are not ruined.”

Tanya Brown of the Connor Brown Trust, said: “It has been an incredible week with a different cohort of students embarking on the Trainee Detective Programme. From the first moment we met the students they were eager to engage with us by asking questions, listening and wanting to learn more. They were all so respectful and thoughtful towards us which to us shows compassion and an awareness of the impact it has had on us as a family.”

“As the week progressed, the students welcomed us when we visited and told us all about what they had been learning with such enthusiasm and empathy. What the students are learning through this programme is vital life skills, it’s not just about knife crime but about choices, consequences and lifesaving medical skills involving catastrophic bleeds.”

“I understand the need for academic structure, but these life skills are just as important, all children and young people face challenges in life and they all need to be equipped to deal with those challenges. The Trainee Detective programme focuses on some of those challenges and the young people are learning a wide range of skills without even realising, such as communication skills and teamwork. The students have excelled themselves with their positive attitudes to the programme throughout the week.”

Steve Campbell, Principal at Jesmond Park Academy, said: “This has been a truly unique experience for our students and will have a lifelong impact on the children that have attended.”

“Knife crime and the associated consequences are very much at the forefront of the minds of anyone that works with young people. It is one of our biggest fears that our children would ever have to be witness to, or become involved in any type of violent crime. Any support to empower the children to make informed safe choices is always welcomed.”

“I am pleased that we have been able to support the initiative by letting our children out of school for a week, although they will have studies to catch up on I am sure that they will have learned many valuable lessons which will remain with them forever.”

“I am sure that they will have found the week hard work and at times difficult to listen to some of the real life stories but I am equally sure that it will have been very worthwhile.”

For more about Trainee Detective Week, email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk.