School pre-warned about police firearm exercises

Parents and carers of pupils attending a local secondary school were today contacted by the Headteacher, providing information about upcoming firearms training being carried out by Hampshire Constabulary.

It was initially anticipated that the training would take place on the same road as The Hamble School, but after raising concerns, police have indicated that they will look to relocate the exercises. It’s thought that the training could happen over the next two months.

The full content of the communication is below, and we wanted to share this information, as it may also impact residents and businesses nearby.

Dear Parent/Carer

We have been informed by Hampshire police that they will be conducting firearms training in the local area over the next two months, including two scenarios on Satchell Lane.

There will not be any loud ‘bangs’ during this training but it is possible that the public may hear some officers shouting ‘challenges’ to the role players. After representation to the police about the possible impact on children hearing this, the police have agreed to move the scenarios further away from the school so I hope that we will remain unaffected. This training will not take place during school drop off/ pick up times.

As the training is in public view and involves firearms officers it may generate some public and media reaction.  Firearms Instructors will be present and wearing high visibility tabards, not only acting as safety officers but to reassure any public that this is training. 

I thought it would be useful for you to know this, so that you are not surprised if you see anything unusual in the Hamble or Netley area over the next two months.

ALARIC GOVAN
Headteacher