New officers recruited to teach kids 'hard truths'

Officers have been travelling into schools to teach pupils "hard truths" about the reality of criminal exploitation and knife crime.

Six new Youth Engagement Officer roles have been created by Gloucestershire Constabulary to deliver talks across the county.

It is hoped the officers will build up trust with some of the county's most vulnerable young children, including those who have been excluded from school.

PC Candice Palmer said: "We will give them some of the hard truths because they do need to know. Some of those real life examples send a message home that this is happening, as a lot of young people doesn't register they it could happen to someone they know, or themselves."

As part of the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum, officers have been delivering sessions at secondary schools.

Palmer said one of the biggest challenges is building trust as some young people "only see a police officer when things have gone wrong".

"Coming into school in full uniform breaks down barriers between young people and the police.

"By coming in and showing our human side, they will understand that we are there to help," she added.

The officers aim to help children from challenging backgrounds and difficult family circumstances.

"They are often the most vulnerable young people who may be at risk of harm," she said.

Year 9 pupils at Tewkesbury Academy took part in a session on the dangers of county lines, which sees dealers using vulnerable people across the country to sell their drugs.

Teacher Jamie Gowers, PSHE lead, said the talks "help to build those relationships with the police" and the young people see them in a "non-threatening, non-enforcement situation and see them for who they are".

"They love these sessions, they get to listen to someone different but also actually listen to someone who's doing that job, they find it a lot more interesting hearing their stories and they're more likely to take it on board," Gowers added.

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