Youngsters from Ely and Fairwater have taken part in a very different type of youth engagement event, volunteering to spend a night in the police cells at Fairwater Police Station. The ‘Night in the Cell’ project took place last night and ended this morning at 10:00am.
On arrival at Fairwater last night they were processed just like real prisoners, with personal belongings being collected, and mug shots taken. Kitted out in their prisoner suits, they got to watch a DVD about knife crime prevention, and speak to local officers about keeping safe. As the night progressed, the youngsters got to experience authentic custody food with lasagne on the menu, before being paired up for their very own ‘night in the cell’.
Local PCSO Chris Missen who planned ‘Night in the Cell’ said “It’s the first time we have held an event like this, and it was all about engaging young people in a very new way. We wanted to raise awareness about the consequences of crime, and provide the youngsters with information on keeping safe in their community.”
Steve Mac from Street Based Youth said “This is a great idea and will certainly help build links between young people in Ely and Fairwater. It will encourage them to be friends and build up positive links with the local neighbourhood policing team as well.”
Shaquille (aged 11) who got a certificate for taking part said “It was a good and I will not forget my night in the cell. I enjoyed making new friends and learning more about policing, but did miss watching TV.”
The project brought together a number of community groups including Communities First, Street Based Youth, Youth Intervention Programme, Dusty Forge Youth Activity Centre, and Cardiff Against Bullying.
The activities today are part of a jammed packed calendar of events taking place across Cardiff and the rest of Wales for Operation Bang. For further information on the events please visit the BANG facebook page at www.facebook.com/beaniceguy
