Faculty students support award-winning ‘junior detectives’ initiative
Supported by University of Leeds students, schoolchildren were sworn in as 'junior detectives' on the University of Leeds campus as part of a knife reduction campaign.
A week-long initiative saw sixteen 12 and 13-year-old pupils from Leeds schools investigate a mocked-up incident and see for themselves the devastating impact of knife crime.
The award-winning Junior Detectives programme was developed by West Yorkshire Police with partners at the University of Leeds, NHS, Leeds Crown Court and Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College in Leeds.
The week centred on a 15-year-old girl who had been stabbed by a 17-year-old boy after she spurned his advances, and included themes of misogyny and violence against women and girls.
Pupils wore CSI suits to investigate a mocked-up crime scene at Leeds First Direct Bank Arena and learn about forensics.
A junior detective brushes evidence for clues
They also saw how surgeons deal with the appalling injuries inflicted by knives and learned about the legal process by observing interviews of suspects and touring Leeds Crown Court, where they met His Honour Judge Howard Crowson.
The programme culminated in a celebration event at the Liberty Building, where pupils were awarded the status of ‘anti-knife crime champions’.
Student experience
University of Leeds staff and students helped organise the events, which gave pupils the opportunity to see a fictional scenario from first report through to the resulting court case.
Eighteen of our Faculty of Social Sciences student volunteers helped with event management, supporting the schoolchildren with activities as 'school mentors', and evaluation during the week.
University of Leeds students and staff helping out at the Junior Detectives programme
Olivia Huyton, third year Law student at University of Leeds says:
“I was particularly excited about doing the immersive crime scene and the day at Leeds Crown Court. It’s great to be in a courtroom and get as much experience as I can as a law student.
“Knife crime is an important topic that affects so many young people. The University has created such an immersive experience that is more engaging to schoolkids compared to traditional ways of learning.
“Hopefully by educating them on the severity of the issue, programmes like this can prevent someone from ending up in a knife crime.”
Karola Das, a first year Criminology and Criminal Justice student, said: “I chose to volunteer because I wanted to try something new and develop my skills. I think it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the legal and criminal justice systems and to see professionals at work.
“I’m especially interested to learn more about the investigation process, such as working with witnesses and types of questions to ask in an interrogation.”
Later in the week, Law students met and quizzed Honorary Recorder of Leeds HHJ Guy Kearl KC and several King’s Counsel during an hour-long session at the Crown Court.
Junior detectives outside the O2 Academy Leeds
More student feedback
‘It was amazing to see the young people grow in confidence each day, all while gaining a deeper understanding of the impact that knife crime can have on both individuals and communities. I am grateful to have had the chance to meet with the wide range of professionals who work towards tackling this serious issue and gaining valuable insights into careers within policing and criminology.’ – 2nd Year BSc Social Policy, Sociology & Crime Student
‘I learnt more about the dangers of knife crime and the wide range of professionals involved, from emergency treatment and criminal investigations to the wider community impact. As a criminology student, it was also very interesting to find out more about what a career in policing could look like. I’m extremely grateful for the valuable career advice, contacts and opportunities they shared with myself and the other volunteers.’ - Penultimate Year BA Criminal Justice and Criminology Student
Future learning module
The University is looking to develop the immersive experience into a module for students so that they can also gain credit from applying their learning on this and similar projects in the future.
Sarah Shackleton, Employability and Placements Manager at the University of Leeds, said: “It is a real opportunity for young teenagers to learn about the terrible impact of knife crime and to pass on the knowledge they have learnt here to their peers.
“This year we also held a pilot scheme called ‘Detective for a Day’ with primary schoolchildren for the first time. We will use the lessons learnt at this event to roll out a further programme with younger children.
“We feel that education is a vital part of combatting knife crime and police forces from other parts of the country, including London, are showing an interest in this initiative we have developed here in West Yorkshire.”
Further information
At Leeds there are many opportunities to enrich your student experience with a range of societies, fitness, volunteering programmes, work experience and international activities to choose from. If you are interested in joining the next Junior Detectives programme, please contact your School Opportunities and Futures Officer or fill in this application form for the March 2026 events: Junior Detectives Student Volunteer Application - March 2026 – Fill in form.
Main image: Junior detectives at work, O2 Academy Leeds
All images by Manaal Adam
