Police to recruit 'Anti-Violence Champions', ahead of Knife Angel's first visit to Hertfordshire
The force is looking for young volunteers to take on the role and carry the message through schools
A striking national monument made from 100,000 confiscated knives will arrive in Hertfordshire for the first time this October, as part of a month-long programme aimed at tackling violence and raising awareness.
The Knife Angel, created by artist Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre, will be on display in Welwyn Garden City throughout October.
Standing at 27 feet tall, the sculpture has toured towns and cities across the UK to highlight the devastating impact of knife crime and to encourage communities to take a stand against violence.
Chief Inspector Pete Frost, who leads policing in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield, said the project is about starting conversations and strengthening community engagement.
“Having the Knife Angel in Hertfordshire is really important to get communities talking and understand what we can do differently from the police perspective, how we can engage with partners, how we can continue to build trust and confidence with our communities across Hertfordshire,” he said.
Alongside the monument, Hertfordshire Police and partners are running more than 30 events across the county, including life-saving first aid training, virtual reality sessions showing how police respond to incidents, school workshops, and activities with local football clubs.
Opening and closing ceremonies will be held on 1 and 30 October.
A key part of the programme is the recruitment of 10,000 Anti-Violence Champions, an initiative designed to give young people in particular a chance to stand “shoulder to shoulder with police” in rejecting all forms of violence.
School-age Champions will receive a badge and certificate, while the wider public are also welcome to take part.
Chief Inspector Frost explained: “This is about understanding a little bit more about what young people and children need and want from their police service. It’s about improving ways that they can engage with us and making sure that police are approachable, that people have the confidence to talk to us.”
Partners including Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, the East of England Ambulance Service, the British Red Cross and local charity Hearts for Herts are supporting the project.
Anyone wishing to become an Anti-Violence Champion or organise a group visit can contact the Knife Angel project team via [email protected]