Police officers could soon be stationed in England's toughest schools under plans being unveiled by British Education Secretary Ms Estelle Morris.
Over 60 schools with the most serious discipline and truancy problems are to be offered full-time police "back-up".
Ms Morris said the scheme would be voluntary, being "more prevention than cure". She is to make an announcement at Tackling It Together, a conference on crime and truancy in London.
The move follows the government suggestion that child benefit could be withdrawn from the parents of persistent young offenders.
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Last week, 16 people were killed when a 19-year-old went on a rampage through his former school in Germany, shooting 13 teachers, two students and a policeman.
PA