Cornwall Students Take Part in Police Work Experience Week

Inside a Week with Police: Cornwall Students Get Rare Access

Young people from across Cornwall have been given a behind the scenes look at policing after taking part in a week long work experience programme with Devon & Cornwall Police.

A group of 20 students aged between 16 and 18 joined police officers and staff to learn what goes into keeping people safe, meeting a wide range of specialist teams and taking part in hands on activities.

A week on the frontline

The students met teams from across the force, including the dog unit, armed response, neighbourhood policing, crime scenes and the drone unit. They also took part in practical exercises and drills throughout the week.

The experience ended with a passing out parade, where students were presented with certificates recognising their participation.

The week was supported by Police Community Support Officer Bex Steed, who helped organise the programme.

She said: “This was a fantastic way to welcome in students and show them the variety of policing and a snapshot of potential career opportunities.

“Even if policing isn’t the career for them, programmes like this are a great way for us to build positive attitudes and connections with young people, which we hope they’ll take into adulthood.”

📷work experience students practicing drills

Guest speakers and specialist teams

Students were welcomed on their first day by Superintendent Jo Arundale. During the week they also heard from Chief Superintendent Scott Bradley, who spoke about his role and experience, and Inspector Sophie Curtis, who attended the passing out parade and handed out certificates.

Those taking part met police dogs Skye, a passive drugs dog, Annie, a digital dog, and Dexter, a general purpose police dog.

Armed response officers showed students the kit they carry as part of their uniform and in their vehicles, while the drone team demonstrated the different drones used by police, explaining what they are used for and how they work.

The scenes of crime team ran an interactive session showing how clothing is photographed after a crime and the equipment they use.

📷work experience students learning about police drones

Feedback from students

Rounding up the week, PCSO Bex Steed said: “We had great feedback from the students, with one commenting on how it’s opened their eyes to the work that goes on behind the scenes which the public may never see.

“Thank you to all the students, police officers and police staff who took part, it was fantastic to have you on board.”

The work experience was co-ordinated by youth officers Gareth Hawken and Geoff Turner Moore, along with Gary King, a Citizens in Policing Volunteer, and PCSO Bex Steed from the neighbourhood policing team.

Special recognition was given to Truro College for hosting the work experience week, which ran from Monday 26th to Friday 30th January.

Want to get involved?

Young people aged between 13 and 18 who would like more information about joining the Volunteer Police Cadets can find details and how to apply on the Devon and Cornwall Police website via the police cadets page.

📷PCSO Bex Steed with work experience students