Young people help the county’s police

Cambridgeshire Constabulary has welcomed its first group of Young Police Service Volunteers to Ely Police Station.

The Youth Consultation Panel was formed yesterday (July 27) and is backed with a mandate from the newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner’s office.

The twelve person group includes young people who live or are educated in East Cambridgeshire. They responded to a call from the constabulary to ask for volunteers who want to help improve their communities and the relationships that exist between young people and the police.

(Caption: Members of the Youth Consultation Panel with Assistant Chief Constable Nav Malik and members of the Office of the Police and Commissioner) 

The representatives all applied for their roles directly and are aged between 12 and 15 years. They were welcomed warmly to the constabulary by Assistant Chief Constable Nav Malik who opened the meeting.

He said: “I’m delighted the Youth Consultation Panel has been formed and I’d like to thank the young people for their commitment and enthusiasm to help their local community.

“It’s essential that we remain in touch and build on relationships with the communities we serve, as well as being held to account. Young people are such an important part of this and I look forward to working with the group.”

The group intends to meet on a monthly basis and has bold aspirations to improve communication links with their peers through the use of new technology and social media. The voice of the group will contribute to PCC Jason Ablewhite’s Crime and Policing Plan – his strategic document for the next four years of policing in the county of Cambridgeshire.

Mr Ablewhite is keen to listen to young people of the county. He said: “I am delighted to welcome East Cambridgeshire’s first group of Young Police Service Volunteers into the policing family. Their voice is hugely important in helping us understand the needs and concerns of young people and in making our communities safer. I am really looking forward to meeting the group and listening to what they have to say.”

Panel representative, Maddie Symonds (12), said: “I found out about the panel through school. I think I’ll help the police to understand how young people think and feel. I’m fairly confident and outgoing, I’m always up for a challenge!” 

ENDS