Children turn ‘Mini Police’ as Welwyn Hatfield celebrates ‘BIG Summer’

Local children became ‘Mini Police’ as part of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s ‘BIG Summer’ series of events.

Mini Police is a fun and interactive programme designed for children aged between nine and 11. The scheme aims to build trust with communities, promote responsible citizenship and help young people establish an interest and understanding in policing and community safety.

It is usually delivered by officers going into schools and running a seven-week programme.

As part of the council’s BIG Summer celebrations, local children got the chance to take part in hour-long sessions with the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team.

BIG Summer is a series of fun events across Welwyn Hatfield during the school summer holidays.

On Tuesday 30 July and Friday 8 August officers took to Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City town centres where they met with lots of enthusiastic youngsters, all ready to become Mini Police!

PC James Holt-Whittall, from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Team, was one of the officers who ran the Hatfield session. He said: “We had around thirty children take part, with a similar number attending the Welwyn Garden City event.

“Our Mini Police were given a short talk about what to do in an emergency and we explained the role of the police and what we do.

“They got to spend time dressing up with the police helmets and shields and of course, got to sit in the car with the lights and sirens!

“It was a really positive event and all the children left with big smiles on their faces. It’s so important for children to have a positive relationship with their local police and we’re grateful for the council for giving us the opportunity to bring our Mini Police programme to even more children.”  

Councillor Sandreni Bonfante, WHBC Executive Member for Environment said: “It was wonderful that so many local children in Hatfield and in Welwyn Garden City joined in the Mini Police sessions.  The Mini Police scheme really is a fun and interactive way to engage and educate local children on policing and community safety.  This year’s BIG Summer had more activities than ever before.  Many thanks to Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team for running the Mini Police sessions as part of this year’s events.”

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