Teachers will be trained in how to recognise gang behaviour in students as part of a multi-pronged approach to tackling the issue.

The move was announced by National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief after he met with a cross ministry team set up to work on an anti-gang strategy.

“Among our first priorities will be to enhance the skills of educators in recognising signs and symbols of gang behaviour and developing trained, on-site intervention teams for our Island’s schools,” he said.

“We have identified the resources to facilitate this and will be working with school principals in the coming days to schedule these sessions. Concurrently, we must identify a suitable, secure site to provide the intensive intervention programme required to address those high-risk individuals identified in our system.”

He added: “Our approach is targeted and focused on equipping our educators with the required knowledge and resources to address these issues and on providing the necessary intervention to effect positive lifestyle change in our at-risk young people.”

Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of National Security Marc Telemaque, who was also at the meeting, added: “Initial training will be provided by the Bermuda Police Service. On-site intervention teams will be developed in consultation with school principals, teachers and other stakeholders after appropriate training. The intent is to introduce the training within this school year.”

Representatives from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth, Families and Sport were also present with Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva and a representative from the Mirrors youth programme.