What home-schooled children found inside Penzance police station

Most people only ever see the inside of a police interview room on TV. A group of young visitors in Penzance has now seen one for real, along with the room where fingerprints are taken.

Officers in Penzance recently welcomed home-schooled children and their parents into the local police station for a behind-the-scenes look at the daily work that goes on there. The children were aged between seven and 12.

From the front desk to the DNA room

The tour started in the front office, where members of the public come in to report crime or get support. From there the group moved on to an interview room and the DNA room, where fingerprints are collected.

And then came the emergency vehicles, which the children had the chance to explore up close.

Along the way they learned about the role police officers play in protecting communities, and how to stay safe when they are out and about on their own.

Building trust from a young age

PC Colin Stirling organised the visit and showed the children around the station himself.

“Organising visits like this are key in helping us form positive relationships with youngsters in our community,” he said.

“We’re not only teaching them about how to be safe and the work police officers do, but we’re also building trust with them from a young age, so they know that if they need help we’re here to help them.”

Colin added: “The group were really interested and enthusiastic throughout the visit. It’s always rewarding to see the difference these visits can make, helping young people feel informed, supported and more connected to their local police.”

One parent who joined the tour said: “Thanks so much for hosting us, we had a great visit and really appreciated all of the brilliant things the kids got to see. The work you do for the community is amazing.”

Could your group visit?

Youth groups, schools and similar organisations interested in a visit to their local station are being asked to get in touch with their local neighbourhood team. Devon & Cornwall Police has a list of police enquiry offices on its website.

Details of the neighbourhood officers in each area are in the what’s happening in your area section of the Devon & Cornwall Police website.

Officers also hold regular public meetings where they talk through local issues and priorities, and anyone can go along to meet their local team.