Pupils in South Oxhey find out about the world of policing in America

In November 2023, PCSOs Chris Baldwin and Ross Huegdon, from the Oxhey Neighbourhood Policing Team, had the unique opportunity to present an online school talk to pupils in Florida, discussing the day in the life of a UK officer.

This time it was the turn of the American police to talk to students in the UK about how policing operates across the pond.

Arranged by the constabulary’s Emerald Society*, the officers were in contact with Officer Marc, an American police officer working out of the Sarasota County Schools Police Department. 

On Friday 8 March, year 4 and year 5 children of Woodhall School had the  privilege of (remotely) meeting Officer Marc of Sarasota County Police (in Florida, USA). Officer Marc works at a school in Sarasota County.

Before meeting Officer Marc, the children learnt about similarities and differences between the UK and the US, including time zones and school year groups. It was also a good time to think of questions they wanted to ask, these included:

• Why do you work at a school instead of a police station?
• What's the most exciting thing about your job?
• What do you think about US gun laws?
• And most importantly, have you ever seen an alligator? 

PSCO Ross Huegdon said: “When we finally met Officer Marc, it was 1.30pm in South Oxhey but 8.30am in Florida! It was fascinating to hear about his job and we managed to squeeze all of our questions into the meeting! We found out that Officer Marc had spent some time in Watford when he was a boy...and that he still supports Watford FC! We hope that this will be the beginning of a great link between our schools.”

“The chat we were able to give to students in America in November was such a brilliant opportunity and it was so interesting to be on the other side of that, with Officer Marc providing a brilliant insight into life policing in Florida.”

*The Hertfordshire Emerald Society brings together all Police Officer and staff who have a connection to the island of Ireland or have an interest in its culture and history. 

Pictures of year 4 and year 5 children of Woodhall School meeting (remotely) Officer Marc