New Youth Panel welcomes Police Commissioner

A GROUP of young Police Service Volunteers from across East Cambridgeshire welcomed Police and Crime Commissioner, Jason Ablewhite at Ely Police Station yesterday evening.

Thirteen young people, aged between twelve and fifteen, came together for the second time to talk about issues affecting young people and how the police can better respond to their needs.

Sergeant Phil Priestley, who set up the group explained:

“We know from experience that young people can often find the police intimidating particularly when reporting crimes face to face. This forum will be an excellent place for both the group to get to know us and for us to really understand what young people have to deal with. We’re breaking down boundaries and it’s nice for them to see us in a different context.”

The new East Cambs Youth Consultation Panel, set up in July 2016 will meet on a monthly basis and will advise the Constabulary, the Commissioner and City Council on a number of emerging issues such as cybercrime, and how to improve their social media messaging.

Twelve year old Oscar Jarvis said: “I really like giving my thoughts to the group. I hope I can help the police understanding the problems young people have in their communities and what they can expect from the police.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Jason Ablewhite added: “It was a real privilege to meet such an enthusiastic group of young people – the fact that they are giving up their own time to help us better understand the challenges they face will bring a rich source of learning to both the Constabulary and my own team.”