Monday, April 13, 2026
This week, teenagers from Blackpool FC School, part of Blackpool FC Community Trust, will be swapping their course books and pens, for magnifying glasses as they embark on an innovative prevention project.
Starting today (April 13), budding detectives will investigate a fictitious crime and work with officers and staff from Blackpool Police to solve the case.
The week-long programme is designed to help students recognise the risks linked to knife crime, while also developing valuable skills such as teamwork, problem‑solving and decision‑making.
During the next five days, students will investigate a ‘crime scene’ hunting for evidence with Blackpool’s CSI team, take ‘victim’ statements, conduct interviews with ‘suspects’, and spend time at Preston Crown Court. They will also hear talks from Blackpool Police Detectives, Rob Barlow NHS Trauma Nurse, Mandy Jamieson who offers a first-hand account of the profound ripple effect of Knife Crime and Dean Coady OBE, lead trainer for child criminal exploitation (CCE), gang and youth violence.
Detective Inspector Brittany Shaw said: “We are so pleased to be running Op Babylon again this year, welcoming a new cohort of budding detectives!
“This is a truly immersive experience for the students and allows them not only to get a closer look into the process behind criminal investigations, but to work on it themselves. In doing so, we hope this experience stays with the students long after the week has ended and enables them to better understand the risks associated with knife crime and to spot signs of Child Criminal Exploitation.”
Head of School, Gemma Trickett, added: “We are incredibly proud to offer our students the opportunity to take part in this unique and immersive programme.
“It represents far more than a week away from the classroom; it is a powerful learning experience that brings real-world issues into focus. By working alongside Police Detectives and specialists, our students will not only develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication and critical thinking, but also gain a deeper understanding of the serious consequences of knife crime and exploitation.
“We hope this experience will inspire them, broaden their horizons, and leave a lasting impact on their choices and futures.”
Here are a few photos from the 'crime scene' held in 2024, where students search for 'evidence':
