Mock 'Investigation' at SDC
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- Created on Thursday, 17 November 2011 09:41
Police stage mock ‘Investigation’ at South Devon College
The 999 Community Cadets Scheme - for Uniformed Public Services students at South Devon College - has been set up to teach young people skills such as team work, citizenship, communication, discipline and the confidence to stand up for what is right in their local community. To achieve this, each term students receive theory and practical based inputs from local Police Officers and Firefighters designed to provide a real insight into policing and firefighting in their community. One of their first experiences came recently via Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, who set up a mock-up murder scene at the College and talked the students through the investigation process as part of their practical learning experience.
“The crime scene scenario was very unique and different, it was great and quite amazing to be shown how much hard work it put in by the police during an incident,” said College student Kamala Davis, 18, from Teignmouth, “It provided a great introduction into the different types of roles in the police”
Police Youth Intervention Officers PC Emma Kendrick and PC Michelle Roberts have organised the Police inputs for the 999 Cadets at South Devon College, both on site at South Devon College and externally at Torquay and Paignton Police Station plus Exeter Crown Court. They were pleased with the students’ reaction to the crime scene investigation:
“The 999 cadets have responded really well to our inputs and they really enjoyed the crime scene investigation we set-up. We have more events planned for them in the future that we know they will find very rewarding,” said PC Kendrick and PC Roberts, “The scheme is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the students in a positive light. We hope to break down barriers and give young people an insight into the various Police Departments and roles within the organisation – hopefully to help them choose their career path.”
Pat Tyler, Watch Manager and Community Safety Co-ordinator for Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, helped set up the scheme with Inspector Adrian Leisk from Devon and Cornwall Police and Head of Public Services at South Devon College, Ken Fraser.
“The scheme has been very successful and we’re delighted that young people taking part will now receive qualifications that will set a very good foundation for them to progress in life,” said Pat Tyler, “These cadets will gain skills and self confidence to play an active part in the communities they live in. They will gain skills that help to tackle crime and neighbourhood problems as well as helping to break down barriers within their community and peer groups”
Community projects are an important element of the 999 Community Cadets Scheme as cadets will be expected to volunteer their own time to take part in various projects across Torbay. Examples include supporting a local charity, belonging to a local residents group to obtain funding or working with the police to provide a crime reduction scheme.
“The main aim of the cadet scheme is to encourage young people to become positive role models within their peer groups, giving them the opportunity to experience structured discipline, mentoring and valuable life skills, whilst hopefully becoming an integral part of making the local community a better place to live and visit.” said Jamie Cree, Public Services Lecturer at South Devon College, “I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work with the 999 cadets. The students have been really positive about the experience so far and are looking forward to the next input from the fire service.”
