Behind the scenes tour of police HQ on 11 million take over day
| Published: 20th November 2008 13:08 |
Avon and Somerset Police welcomed local school children to Police HQ in Portishead as the Children's Commissioner for England, Sir Al Aynsley-Green, launched the second 11 Million Takeover Day on November 7.
Over 10,000 children and young people 'took over' 500 organisations including schools, police forces, fire brigades, newspapers, television stations, church groups, charities, local authorities and parliamentarians.
On this years Takeover Day, children from two local schools visited Police HQ to have a behind the scenes tour and the opportunity to chat to Chief Constable Colin Porter.
Three sixth form students Kiri Pearce, Tom King, Lauren Robinson and year nine student Jack Challenger from Gordano School; and Lewis Eagle, Ollie Neath, Luke Read and Matthew Gough, accompanied by their teacher Mr. Worland, from Clevedon Comprehensive visited HQ where they visited the Forensics and Communications departments, the Police Armoury and the Chief Constable's office where they posed questions to the Chief about his role and responsibilities and other policing and social issues.
The students, accompanied by PCSOs Dawn Tremlett and Linda Richards, spent time learning about methods of identifying and producing forensic evidence including finger-printing and footwear recognition, before having a tour of the Armoury and Communications Department including the 999 call-centre and dispatch.
PCSO Dawn said "It was a fantastic opportunity to take part in the 11 Million Day, and gave us all insight into the day to day running of Avon and Somerset. The highlight was putting questions to Chief Constable Port. The Gordano students enjoyed the experience and meeting various members of the Force".
PSCO Linda Richards added "Thank you so much to all those involved in giving us the opportunity to come to HQ. For me it was another great opportunity to see the work that goes on behind the scenes and was incredibly interesting. For the young people who came, it was a superb opportunity as they are all doing an A level in the Emergency Services and will at some stage have to decide which direction to go. They all found the forensic dept very interesting and informative and very much enjoyed seeing the armoury and the incredible stories that led to weapons being seized. But meeting the Chief Constable was the highlight as they saw him as a real person, very approachable and focused on his role, but it also showed that it is an achievable goal as he worked his way to the top. It brings the police force alive to young people and they all thoroughly enjoyed the morning".
11 MILLION, so named as there are 11 Million children and young people living in England, is a national organisation led by Sir Al, in support of the Children's Act 2004, to be the independent voice for all children and young people in England. The organisation aims to improve all aspects of children's quality of life and help children and young people to be actively involved in shaping all decisions that affect their lives. Sir Al says "11 Million Takeover Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the importance of children and young people in our society, building on last year's event".
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