Published Wednesday 19 June 2024 at 14:59
Pupils from 10 primary schools across Blackburn with Darwen have had experience in various police matters as part of a pilot launched by Lancashire Police with the help of the council.
The aim of the ‘mini police’ programme is to provide school children in year 5 and 6 (aged 9-11) with a fun and interactive experience around policing issues. Students apply for the initiative, which enables them to foster a positive interaction with law enforcement and feel safe in their own communities.
Led by Sargeant David Dutton and the neighbourhood policing team, the programme began in October when the children chosen for the programme were given mini police uniforms and attended an attestation, where they read out a commitment to the programme in front of their school. Each individual school group chose to lead on community projects important to them, from knife crime to vaping, and anti-social behaviour issues to road safety. The students then came up with solutions guided by the police and the council, which they presented in the form of videos, leaflets, and posters to members of the community.
Across the 9-month period, Katie Boulton, road safety officer in the Highways department at Blackburn with Darwen borough council took a lead on road safety. She encouraged the children to go out into the community with speed guns, as well as make posters and write and deliver questionnaires to residents. Some of the other tasks included attending a basic first aid course where they learned how to use a defibrillator and perform CPR; as well as understanding the various roles in the police, what tools they have and why they wear different uniforms.
The final event was held last week on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 June 2024, at Bowley scout camp in Great Harwood, which brought all mini police members together to celebrate their work over the last year. Sessions included orienteering, role play of a road traffic collision which included using police radios to learn how police officers communicate during an incident; and learning about water safety. To finish, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service demonstrated how they would respond to an accident, where they removed a vehicle’s roof and extracted a casualty.
Today, Wednesday 19 June 2024, a celebration evening will be held to end the initiative at The Redeemer Church of England Primary in Blackburn. All 180 mini police, their parents and teachers will come together for the presentation which will be led by Sergeant David Dutton to showcase the children’s work and celebrate their efforts. The police cadets will also be involved, in the hope that some of the mini cops will choose to join them going forward. All children have also learned a song about taking part in the mini police initiative which they will sing together.
Following the evening, the children will all receive a certificate of completion, and trophies will be rewarded to outstanding achievements.
Katie Boulton, Road Safety Officer at Blackburn with Darwen borough council said:
It’s been absolutely fantastic to take part in this initiative which has seen so many pupils across the borough learn about policing in a positive manner. Teaching people of all ages about road safety is crucial and I’m glad Lancashire Police asked me to join them in delivering key messages and training to the 180 children that live across the borough.
PC Stuart Eddleston, from the Darwen neighbourhood policing team said:
We have thoroughly loved bringing this project to life. At the beginning of the scheme, some children were very shy and wouldn’t speak to us. But over the last nine months we have seen a huge change in the children’s confidence, who are now able to engage with us and other members of their communities.
The nine schools that have taken part in the initiative are: The Redeemer Church of England Primary in Blackburn, St Edward’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Darwen, Ashleigh Primary school in Darwen, Avondale Primary school in Darwen, Darwen St Peters Church of England Primary School, Belthorn Academy Primary School, St Aidan’s Primary School in Blackburn, St Stephen’s Tockholes CE Primary School, Hoddlesden St Paul’s Church of England Primary School and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Roman Cathloc Primary School in Blackburn.
Due to the positive impact the initiative has had on the children and the community, it’s hoped that it will open for another group of students in future.