A group of young people from Clydach got a unique opportunity to find out all about policing in Swansea, with a VIP visit to Cockett Police Station. The event was organised by their local PCSO Suzanne Birch and Steve Milton from Swansea Youth Services.
PC Neil Healey who’s a traffic officer explained his duties, and the youngsters got a close look at his Audi patrol car, along with taking part in a police stinger exercise. This was right up Adam Gribbles (age 13) street, as he has ambitions to be a police officer or mechanic.
Road safety presentations followed, and then it was onto the Custody Cells for an insight into the consequences of crime. The youngsters had a go at using metal detectors and taking fingerprints. In fact they got to use the traditional copper plate technique, which is a significant part of history of policing.
The tour then involved a very authentic prisoner experience, as they were locked up in the cells, before exploring the small exercise yard.
Corey Jones (aged 12) said “I’ve never been to a police station before so it was really good seeing all the different things that go on to fight crime.”
Jamie Quinn (aged 13) said “We all had a lot of fun learning about policing. If my cooking career does not take off I definitely want to be a traffic officer.”
PCSO Suzanne Birch said “This kind of youth engagement is so important as it provides our younger members of the community with an opportunity to experience all the excitement of policing, while also learning about crime prevention and safety.”
Youth Support Worker Steve Milton said “The visit was a great experience for the youngsters, as it provided an insight to the work that the police do and showed the consequences of crime on the wider community.”
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