The Mini Police learn about pedestrian safety

The Mini Police have spray painted keep safe advice onto pavements to remind children of the importance of looking up from their phones.

Our Mini Police program has been rolled out in many schools across Derbyshire. It involves teaching children the important role of the police and what you can do to keep yourself safe and help those in your community.

The youngsters have recently been learning about pedestrian safety, highlighting how to walk to school responsibly. One of the biggest dangers to young pedestrians is using phones or listening to music when walking or crossing roads.

The Mini Police got permission from their local councils to spray paint the words “Look Up” on the pavements around their schools.

Stephen Hughes, Derbyshire’s traffic management officer, said “We proactively patrol around schools and in areas around the community that struggle with speeding drivers, dangerous parking and antisocial behaviour.

“Unfortunately, we have had recent road traffic incidents where young people not being aware of their surroundings has been a factor in the collision.

“This is why community engagement and initiatives such as the Mini Police is so important in reducing these incidents, as starting these conversations at a young age promotes positive discussion.

“Alongside our increased presence around schools, we hope the spray-painted signs may help to keep more children safe.”

The spray paint used is biodegradable and will last about three months depending on weather. We hope it will remind all pupils at the school, the need to look up when crossing roads.

We joined Cotmanhay Junior School in Ilkeston to see the Mini Police in action. They are the first school to trial the spray paint initiative, and all enjoyed the chance to get involved.

The children were assisted by PCSOs from the local neighbourhood policing team, who work weekly with them on their Mini Police Program. This is just a glimpse of the work our local officers do; we’ll be posting more of their positive work as part of #NeighbourhoodPolicingWeek.