Specialist officers visit ‘Mini Police’ at schools in East Herts

Pupils at two schools in East Herts were visited by specialist officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary, as they marked the successful completion the Mini Police scheme.

The programme is an interactive project for children aged nine to 11 and sees officers visit primary schools to deliver lessons over several weeks, covering topics such as road safety, personal safety, staying safe online and anti-social behaviour.

It aims to promote responsible citizenship and help young people build positive relationships with the police.

Over the past five weeks, pupils at Spellbrook and High Wych primary schools have taken part in the programme.

During their final sessions last week, the schools welcomed officers from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Armed Policing Unit and the Rural Operational Support Team respectively.

Both teams spoke with the children about the roles they play in keeping the community safe and showed them some of the specialist equipment they carry, including drones.

Sergeant Andy Crow, from the Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The Mini Police programme is well established in the area and has proved a big hit with local schools.

“It helps us to build positive relationships with young people and teach them how to stay safe. It’s also an opportunity for us to explain the impact that crime and anti-social behaviour can have on communities.

“I’d like to thank the schools for taking part and the officers who have helped deliver the programme.”