Police are warning thousands of students returning to schools across the country today that they will be arrested and charged in court if they go on their schoolyards with anything that could be considered a weapon.

Superintendent Stephen Dean made the announcement yesterday during a news conference at the Road Traffic Division.

He said over the past several years, whenever students were caught with weapons, they were usually given a ‘slap on the wrist’ because they were minors.

However, he said that good treatment has come to an end.

“You carry knives, drugs or any type of offensive weapon to school and it is brought to the attention of the police then you will be brought to court and charged with those offences,” he said.

“They are criminal offences. Parents, know what’s in your child’s bag and know that they are taking to school. The same goes for children. Respect your teachers. We’re not going to have any children getting in fights with teachers and having arguments with them.”

According to Mr. Dean, some parents go so far as to bring a “team” of people with them to beat up teachers whenever something happens between their child and the teacher.

“That’s not the way we’re going to resolve matters this year,” he said.

He also urged parents to check their children’s attendance records as there are too many children who are dropped off in front of their schools or leave home in their school uniform, but fail to show up for class.

Mr. Dean also warned older men preying on school yards for children that police will be on the lookout for them.

“We know that there are predators around and people who like to hang out particularly where students are,” he said.

“These people are around the schoolyards and even at the bus stops. Whether they’re there trying to rob children or seduce them, we’re asking you to leave them alone. The police will be there and alert. If you are found there, you will be arrested.”

The Bahamian public can expect a large police presence throughout the streets of New Providence as well, according to Road Traffic Acting Assistant Superintendent Craig Stubbs.

“We’re asking jitney drivers to pull up at least 10 to 20 feet away from the pedestrian crossing when disembarking students,” he said.

“We see too many times bus drivers stop on the pedestrian crossing and students walk in front of the buses and the result could be a tragic one. We want these students to be visible to the motoring public for when you drop them off.”

Supt. Stubbs said motorists should also be aware of school zones and adhere to the speed limits.