Two weeks ago officers from Ely and Fairwater started a very different youth engagement project, giving local youngsters an opportunity to spend a night in the cells. And they are at it again, with another cell experience having been held at Fairwater Police Station.
The second ‘night in the cells’ again involved all the processes that real prisoners go through, from mug shots to prisoner suits. But there was also some very special guests at the lock up with CBBC Newsround presenter Hayley Cutts taking part, and doing a feature on the project for the famous youth based news programme on BBC1.
Night in the Cells in Fairwater is scheduled to feature in BBC1’s Newsround on Wednesday 17th November 2010 at 17:00 – but could be subject to change.
Presenter Hayley interviewed some of the ‘prisoners’ about their night, and Joe Powell (aged 12) said “It was great to be interviewed for Newsround but spending a night in the cells was tough. It was uncomfortable and I did not like the food.”
The cell experience also included talks on crime prevention and keeping safe by the local neighbourhood officers, as well as specialist police officers, including armed response and dog handlers. Custody lasagne was on the menu last time, but the youngsters got to experience wedges, beans, and mushrooms during this ‘night in the cells’.
Local PCSO Chris Missen who organised ‘night in the cell’ said “Our first lock up proved to be a big hit and a good learning experience, and thanks to continued partnership working it’s great to hold another. It’s all about engaging young people and raising awareness of the consequences of crime.”
Chris continues “It was brilliant to welcome Newsround to South Wales, and the youngsters got to experience the excitement of being involved in TV programme production. They all did a great job in speaking to the camera, and I’m sure some will go onto media based careers.”
Steve Mac from Street Based Youth said “This was good the first time and we are all excited about doing the project again. It helps to build more positive links between the youngsters and the local police. The partnership work we are doing in South Wales can also now be showcased across the UK thanks to the support of Newsround.”
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.
