Bedfordshire Police are using a new football initiative to engage with young people at Bedford schools.
The Bedford Community Police Team has organized football matches with a number of local high schools to break down barriers and strengthen relationships between the young communities and the police.
The officers kicked off the initiative earlier this month, the first with Daubeney Academy last Wednesday (June 9) and their second match was on Monday June 14 with Kempston Challenger Academy.
Inspector Sam Hunt of the Bedford Community Policing Team said: “Engaging with young people in our area is extremely important to us and these football games are already showing that they are a great way to do it.
“It has been a great way to talk to teens about the police, to build confidence in us so they know we are there for them if they need us.
“It’s also a good way for us to deal with serious issues that could impact their lives, such as knife crime or county limits.
“Young people today are aware of these issues and may even be exposed to them, so it is important that we start talking so that we can protect them and help them make positive choices.
“I want to thank the schools and the kids for giving us the opportunity to do this, it has been fantastic to work so closely with them and have a little fun – especially after a year we have all had. “
Police Officer Viv Dady, of the Bedfordshire Police Education and Diversion Team, said: “I work closely with the Bedford Schools which are full of bright young people.
“It’s so important for us to show them that we’re just normal people doing a job to help keep them safe.
“We want young people to be able to talk to us about their concerns and break down any obstacles that could stop this.
“These young people are the future of our community and we want to make sure they feel empowered and supported by their local agents. “
If you are interested in participating in a youth engagement event, please contact [email protected].
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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-18 16:26:11
