The RCIPS has been made aware of incidents where minors between the ages of 11 years and 16 years have been engaging in planned and organised fights at the John Gray High School, which are subsequently being posted on social media.

Jonathan Clark, Principal of John Gray High School stated “The RCIPS officers have been outstanding in both their communication with us and their demeanour around campus. We are working with the RCIPS to ensure that all anti-social behaviour, including this abuse of social media, is eradicated. We will always attempt to work in partnership with parents to continually educate our community about the dangers of social media in causing and glamourizing conflict, and in some cases, cyberbullying.  Appropriate and strong sanctions have been put in place as the health and safety of all in our learning community is, and will remain, our priority.”

The RCIPS supports the efforts of John Gray High School Administration and the decisions that are being made to discourage participation in these activities. “Our Community Police Officers have met with the schools to discuss how we can support their efforts, and the overall efforts of the Department of Education, to address these incidents. In addition, our Digital Forensics Hub is actively monitoring and investigating any cybercrime violations that may occur as a result. The RCIPS places great importance on the relationships with our community. I would like to thank any members of the public who reported these incidents and discouraged such poor behaviour by these teens and preteens,” says Commissioner Derek Byrne of the RCIPS.

Members of the public are being advised that to participate in, incite, or even share footage of these violent activities may constitute an offence which may lead to such persons being prosecuted. If you are in possession of videos and pictures of any of these fights, we ask that you refrain from sharing these images, but instead submit them anonymously to the RCIPS on our website, www.rcips.ky or via our mobile app by clicking the ‘submit a tip’ function.