DESPITE what the police describe as a dramatic decrease in gang violence in schools, the Police High Command has vowed to maintain its vigilance on anti-social behaviour usually associated with the staging of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships set to get underway at the National Stadium on Wednesday.

“Schools wishing to stage marches will have to apply to the police three days prior to any staging of such event,” said SSP Terrence Bent who was speaking at a press conference to launch the St Andrew Peace for Champs Campaign 2011 at the JCF Area 4 Headquarters on Friday.

The police is also yet to determine whether or not it will allow post-Champs festivities that have been banned for several years.

According to head of the St Andrew Police Division, SSP Delroy “Cowboy” Knight, the police intelligence is suggesting that the ban should remain.

“I notice a lot of ‘nicodemus’ applications being made for parties, but we know it’s persons trying to stage post-Champs festivities. They will not be given permission,” he said. “Based on what we see happening we will make a decision by Wednesday of next week,” he added.

Among the strategies the police say they will be implementing is extra personnel in areas where students gather as well as along the routes to and from the National Stadium.

A trophy will be awarded this year for the school determined to be the best sponsor of the Peace for Champs Campaign.

Jamaica College was commended by ISSA competitions officer, George Forbes for not allowing one of its star athletes to compete in this year’s competition.

“It is important to stand up for discipline, especially as all eyes were on JC to see what they would have done,” he said. He was referring to the recent decision not to enter an athlete because his grades were below the accepted average of 45 per cent.

Forbes told the Sunday Observer strategies have to be found to ensure that while athletes accomplish low times on the track, they must have high grades in the classroom.