Mini Police in Plymouth educates over 1,000 children

Four years ago, Devon & Cornwall Police teams in Plymouth set up the ‘Mini Police’ programme to inspire and educate 8 - 10-year-olds in primary schools across the city. Since launching, over 1,000 young people have gone through the programme, learning vital skills.

The programme is run by the Force’s Youth Engagement Officers (YEO) at a selected school for six weeks. 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.

Police Constable Debbie Hart, Plymouth YEO said: “Everything we teach within the programme is so valuable for students. We know that educating young people early is an effective way to prevent them from becoming a victim of crime or getting involved in criminality themselves.

“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 at, as well as running the programme for children that are homeschooled.”

The Mini Police programme is currently being run at Keyham Barton Primary school. As part of the recent official opening of the Devonport Public Enquiry Office (PEO), students of all ages were asked to design a poster to raise awareness of why and how people should contact the police. During the PEO opening, a group of judges selected a winning poster from each year group. Each of the winning posters has been displayed in the PEO.

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 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 hear the latest information directly from Devon & Cornwall Police in your area.