Kids get involved with police

A group of Bournemouth school children are set to experience what it is like to be a PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) with Dorset Police.

Fifteen children aged between 8 and 10 years old, from St Michael’s School in West Cliff have been ‘recruited’ as junior PCSOs after they won a writing competition where they explained why they would like to become a PCSO.

Over the next seven weeks, the children will work alongside the area’s PCSOs, getting involved in various community activities including litter picks.

The youngsters will also get to visit at Dorset Police station and experience what it is like to work in the custody block and with the force’s dog and traffic sections.

PCSO Adrian Griffiths, of the Bournemouth Central Safer Neighbourhood Team, said, “We got the idea from Hampshire Constabulary, who carried out a similar scheme in Totton last year.

“These youngsters have expressed an interest in a career as a PCSO and we want to foster their interest through this scheme.”

On Wednesday 14 July, the children will attend a presentation evening where they will be presented with certificates of their attendance.