Potential Cops of the future take big steps to complete the Mini Police programme
Pupils at two Plymouth primary schools are making big strides to complete the Mini Police programme.
Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police have been spending time with children at Prince Rock and Laira Green primary schools in the city to inspire and educate local youngsters.
The seven week programme aims to assist eight to ten year olds in primary schools across the city. Young people learn about a range of important topics, including crime prevention, internet safety, anti-social behaviour, road safety and environmental activities.
The aim is to make young people more aware of potential issues around them. It’s also an effective way to prevent them from becoming a victim of crime or getting involved in criminality themselves.
PC Deb Hart, Youth Engagement Officer, said: “The Mini Police programme has been delivered to well over 1,000 primary school pupils across Plymouth. Those pupils are across 44 primary schools, which is most of the primary schools in the city. There are 66 primary schools in total and our aim is to eventually reach them all.
“The content children learn throughout the seven week period includes an internet safety lesson, a talk about anti-social behaviour, an outdoor social action project – for example litter picking or gardening to improve the local community – as well as preparing for a school assembly presentation.”
PC Hart continued: “It’s wonderful that we have been able to reach so many young people across Plymouth and it’s great to see their confidence and knowledge grow. We’re dedicated to increasing the number of primary schools we run the Mini Police programme with, as well as running the initiative for children who are home schooled.”
At the end of the seven weeks the children receive a special certificate to mark completion of the Mini Police project.
Year Five teacher at Prince Rock Primary School, Nicola Bennett, added: “We have had 24 children taking part in the Mini Police programme delivered by PC Hart from Devon and Cornwall Police. This invaluable workshop provides our young people with essential skills and knowledge linked to citizenship - from internet safety, anti-social behaviour to environmental activities.
“Our children have also taken on extra Mini Police duties and responsibilities in school. We are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to build on our strong relationships with the police and support our community.
Jack Lethbridge, Key Stage One teacher at Laira Green Primary School, said: “We are delighted to welcome our local police officers into school as part of the Mini Police programme. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and gained valuable insights into community safety, responsibility, and the important role the police play in our society. It's been a fantastic opportunity for positive engagement and learning.
The Mini Police course can also be offered to children who are home schooled. Please email 15928@dc.police.uk if you are interested in finding out more about the programme and to register interest for your child or young people in your care.
Police teams in Plymouth regularly post updates about the work they are doing to protect local communities, connect with the public and reduce crime within the area on their Facebook and Instagram pages. Alternatively, please sign up to Devon & Cornwall alert https://alerts.dc.police.uk/ to receive the latest information directly from Devon & Cornwall Police via email or text message.
Pic shows pupils from Prince Rock school carrying out a litter pick, PC Deb Hart is on the left
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