VIDEO: Boris comes out fighting for police TKO scheme (From News Shopper)

VIDEO: Mayor of London Boris Johnson comes out fighting for police TKO scheme

11:27am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Bexley By Jim Palmer

FIGHTING skills are bringing young people into contact with police officers –in a good way.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson lent his support to Bexley Police’s Team TKO scheme yesterday (February 7).

Team TKO kicked-off in October as a way for the police to engage with 10 to 17-year-olds by teaching them a skill.

Working with schools and martial arts clubs in the borough, Bexley Police has now run three seven-week courses where young people try a different discipline each week – often taught by an off-duty officer. The next four courses are all fully booked.

Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Williams said there had been a positive effect on young people, with shy or bullied children becoming more assertive.

He said: "The officers are walking the beat and they have kids that come up to them to talk to them."

Mr Johnson said: "I think it is a fantastic organisation. The police officers are doing this in their own time - it is the big society in action.

"The kids have shown incredible physical fitness and martial arts skill.

"The idea arose out of a terrible incident a while back. People realised that kids and police perhaps need to relate better to each other, but it is more than that.

Good impressions

Holistic therapist Lyn and financial advisor Ian Leeson, of Rennets Close, Eltham, said their 11-year-old daughter Georgina loved the course.

Lyn, 50, said: "She got to know the police really well. When they turn up at school she goes and talks to them."

Ian, 50, added: "It is a positive view of the police and certainly builds relationships between police and young people in the area."

Safety message

Bexley Community Safety Partnership neighbourhood worker, Chris Long, has been using drinks breaks in Team TKO sessions to give the young people presentations about personal safety.

Mr Long said: "It is terrific – there are so many different schools and so many children come from different parts of the borough. It enables is to reach parts if the borough we would not otherwise get to."