PCC and Essex Police hold event to offer young people an insight into the world of policing

Over one hundred young people from across the county attended a special event at Essex Police Headquarters in Chelmsford to showcase areas of policing not usually seen by the public. The youth engagement event, called Next Step, was designed for teenagers aged 15 to 17. It aimed to engage our young communities and provide an insight into the world of policing for those interested in a police career. Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, and Stephen Kavanagh, Chief Constable of Essex Police, gave the group a warm welcome to the force sharing their background experiences, as well as what they hoped young people would get out of the event. Nick Alston said: "I was pleased to be able to speak with the young people attending the #NextStep event today and to join some of them for the excellent demonstrations of modern policing. It is encouraging that there is such interest in policing and enthusiasm for policing as a career. We have great young people in Essex and I am pleased so many are interested in serving their communities." Stephen Kavanagh said: “I am continually inspired by the contribution young people from all our communities make, and am excited by the opportunity we are able to give them today. I hope that the day will have a lasting impact, and will be a springboard into a career which makes a meaningful, rewarding and fulfilling contribution to safety across the county”. Activities running throughout the day were spilt into three zones - the Information Zone, the Crime Zone and the Tactical Zone, giving insight into:

• The History of Essex Police at the Museum
• Recruitment Opportunities
• Learning and Development
• Force Control Room
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Stop and Search
• Firearms
• Public Order
• Personal Safety

The groups got the chance to learn about specialist information, such as finding out what riot officers wear and how this protects them, to watching role play scenarios with officers dealing with potentially volatile situations. As the event got underway, Isabella Mitchell, 17, from Chelmsford, said: “I’m interested in Criminal Profiling and want to go on to university to study Criminology.  During my studies I’d like to work part time or volunteer with Essex Police to gain experience and strengthen my application when I apply after I graduate. Today has been really exciting finding out what goes on behind the scenes”. 16 year old Max O’Sullivan said: “I wanted to come here today because I want to be a Firearms officer – but I didn’t realise exactly how many departments and specialisms there are for police officers. Now I can’t choose! There’s so much that interests me”. Zoe Hack, who co-ordinated the event, said: “Next Step is a fantastic opportunity which doesn’t come round every day, and we wanted as many young people to experience it as possible. I hope today has been useful for our visitors and we hope to see them again but maybe next time as an officer, staff member or special constable!” You can see a short film about the event here.