Youngsters have their say on policing in new school surgeries

Netherthorpe School pupils with PC Sarah Gerrard and PCSO Sue Cooke and head teacher Alan Senior

Police in Staveley are giving youngsters a chance to raise any issues they have after setting up monthly drop-in surgeries in a local school.

Staveley Safer Neighbourhood Team will hold the informal sessions at Netherthorpe School to find out pupils' views on policing issues that affect them.

The first drop-in session was held at the school on Monday, February 1, with pupils meeting and chatting to their local officers during their lunch break.

Safer Neighbourhoods officers and Community Support Officers hope to establish better relationships with the youngsters and work with them to reduce anti-social behaviour.

PCSO Sue Cooke, who organised the surgeries, said: "Our aim is to engage with young people who might feel unable to talk to us in other situations.

"We hold regular surgeries for adults who live in the area and we decided to bring the surgeries to the youngsters as well.

"We will be on hand to speak to them about any concerns they have about anything that has a negative effect on young people and the wider community including anti-social behaviour and underage drinking."

The surgeries will continue to take place on the first Monday of every month during term time.

Head teacher Alan Senior said: "We have always had a good working relationship with the local police and this is a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to get to know the officers and find out more about what they do.

"I really hope the surgeries are a success and pupils feel comfortable about going to speak to the officers whether it is about a police issue or they just want some advice."

For more information on your local Safer Neighbourhood team call 0345 123 3333 or visit the website www.derbyshire.police.uk.