Local cops connect with children in Torquay
In an effort to connect with some of the youngest people in the community, Devon & Cornwall Police recently welcomed members of Marldon Scout Club to Torquay Police Station.
The children, aged 6-10 years old from the local Beavers and Cub group, were given a behind the scenes look at the daily work that takes place across the station. They had the opportunity to look at an interview room, a police officer’s unform and their essential kit, as well as going inside emergency vehicles. During the visit, they learned about the important role police officers play in protecting communities and what it means to ‘feel safe’.
The visit forms part of the police’s approach to connect and engage with the public, fostering positive relationships and continuing to build trust within communities.
“It’s crucial for us to connect with our youngest community members and this is a fantastic way of doing just that,” said Inspector Chris Lithgow, who led the scout visit. “By inviting children to the station, we’re not only teaching them about how to be safe and the work police officers do, but we’re also building trust and supportive relationships with them from a young age.
“The group were really interested and enthusiastic throughout the visit. It’s great to see the positive impact that these visits can have on young people – it’s a reminder of why we do what we do to protect everyone in our communities.”
A representative from Marldon Scout group said: “Our visit to the station was such a memorable one, everyone found it really interesting and we will definitely remember it for a long time to come.”
After completing the visit, the Beavers and Cubs earnt a new scout badge.
If you are part of a youth group and are interested in organising a visit to your local station, please get in touch with your local neighbourhood team. A list of stations is available here.
To find out more about the neighbourhood officers in your local area, visit the ‘what’s happening in your area’ section of the Devon & Cornwall Police website. Officers hold regular public meetings where they discuss local issues and priorities – please consider coming along to one of these to meet your local team and find out more about what they are doing in your area.
