Young People’s Race Inclusion Forum

Young People’s Race Inclusion Forum is an initiative that gives a voice to Black boys and girls in Hertfordshire about policing.

The scheme was set up in collaboration with Hertfordshire County Council’s Services for Young People and aims to better understand young Black perspectives on policing in the county.

The forum is open to Black children in Hertfordshire aged 14 to 18. However, spaces are limited and consent from a parent or carer is also required. Regular meetings are held both in person at Young People’s Centres and online during school termtime.

Those taking part scrutinise policing tactics such as stop and search and use of force. Young people can share their views on how the service could be changed to address racial disparities, improve police recruitment from minority groups, and increase confidence in policing among Black people.

Young people are also consulted on what issues are covered in the sessions. Their feedback will help inform policing in Hertfordshire in the future.

Parents or carers of those who would like to take part should complete this contact form to get involved.

Certificates of participation will be provided to all those who take part, along with the opportunity for references to be provided to support future opportunities for the young person.

Consulting and engaging with particular groups within our community is not at the expense of other groups or other policing work. Police forces are required to engage with the public and we regularly seek the views of the public on a variety of issues.

Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams use social media and the service’s email messaging service, Herts Connected, to survey residents about the local crime and anti-social behaviour issues affecting them, as well as organising regular community engagement meetings and events.