Cornwall Students Take Part in Police Work Experience Week

Hands-on Experience with Police Teams Across Cornwall

A total of 56 students aged 14 to 15 got a rare chance to work alongside police officers and support staff in Cornwall during a recent work experience programme.

The week-long placement gave students the opportunity to get involved with various specialist teams within Devon & Cornwall Police, including the dog unit, drone unit, road casualty reduction unit and the neighbourhood support team.

The experience was designed to offer a real insight into the behind-the-scenes work that helps keep communities across Cornwall safe.

Practical Training and a Parade to Finish

Throughout the week, students took part in practical exercises and drills. The programme ended with a formal ‘passing out parade’ where each participant was presented with a certificate recognising their involvement.

PC Phil Rees, who helped to co-ordinate the experience, said:

“We were thrilled to welcome this year’s students to learn more about policing. There are so many career pathways within the force and I’m pleased that we were able to showcase some of them.

Whether they choose a career in policing or not, connecting with young people like this is key in making sure that we form strong, positive and trusting relationships with this age group as they head into adulthood.

We’ve had some great feedback following the week. Thank you to all the students and police officers who took part in the work experience, it was fantastic to have you on board.”

Support from Specialist Teams

In addition to the Devon & Cornwall Police operations unit, officers from the British Transport Police and Police Cadets were also involved in supporting the experience. Students got a look at some of the training that serving officers undertake as part of their role.

The placement was co-ordinated by Devon & Cornwall Police Youth Engagement Officers and offered a glimpse into the many paths available within the force.