As the new school term gets underway, the neighbourhood policing team for Peasedown St John are planning for the second year of the Peasedown St John Mini Police.

This nationally recognised scheme was piloted last year within Avon and Somerset Police, enabling young people to have a confident voice and some enjoyable experiences associated with policing.

Last school year, twenty young people from ages nine to eleven were selected to join the Mini Police and were welcomed into the policing family.

The Mini Police were taught about the values of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary: Caring, Courageous, Inclusive and Learning. Each member was given a uniform and, along with fun activities and training from Fire and Rescue, and the Great Western Ambulance, pupils worked towards the Duke of Cornwall Home Safety Award.

The Mini Police were also seen in the community carrying out speed checks in front of the school and visiting senior citizens at several coffee mornings. This gave them a chance to demonstrate their new skills, and also give out valuable crime reduction advice.

With the support of Peasedown St John Parish Council the Mini Police were provided with two-way radios, along with an end of year trip to the Police Training Centre. This was a great day out, and a reward for all of the hard work that they had done. It became especially interesting when they had the opportunity to throw blocks at PCSO, Tony McIntosh, and Year 5 teacher, James Barnett, as they hid behind riot shields! Meeting the Police horses and dogs proved popular, and the chance to use real handcuffs and sit in the road policing car was enjoyed by everyone.

The end of term was marked by a special assembly attended by family and friends and the Mini Police’s hard work was rewarded by the presentation of their Duke of Cornwall Award and badges by Senior Police Officer Superintendent, Andy Williams.

A special commendation was awarded to Denisa-Maria Ganea, after she helped police locate a missing child in Peasedown St John. Demonstrating the core values of the constabulary, Denisa-Maria also reassured the child that the police were there to help, aiding in the safe return home of that child.

The next Mini Police will start in October, and applications will be sent out to Year 5 students of Peasedown St John Primary School shortly. Sponsorship would be most welcome by local businesses to cover the costs of trips and kit.