Young commissioners in Wiltshire are set to influence policing practices.

The newest members of the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Commission held their first meeting in Trowbridge, with the goal of improving the Wiltshire Police service for young people.

Established in 2021, the commission serves as a platform for young people to discuss issues of policing, crime, and community safety that are important to them.

They provide feedback to the Police and Crime Commissioner and Wiltshire Police, suggesting how these issues could be better addressed.

This year, approximately 45 young people aged between 11 and 25 joined the commission, marking the largest cohort since its inception.

They will be involved in a three-year project to gain a better understanding of community safety and policing.

The project also involves listening to their peers' views and proposing solutions to enhance the experiences of residents in Wiltshire and Swindon.

PCC Philip Wilkinson said: "The work of the youth commission will influence the work my office does and that of Wiltshire Police.

"So far, their role in shaping the future of Wiltshire Police has been pivotal and cannot be underestimated in ensuring that the force is much better able to connect and communicate positively with young people and children from as many different backgrounds as possible.

"I look forward to seeing how this new group evolves and brings forward exciting new perspectives we can all learn from."

At the youth commission boot camp at Trowbridge's Civic Centre, the young commissioners engaged in team-building exercises and discussions around challenges faced by youths on a daily basis.

The commission is facilitated by Participation People, a Devizes-based organisation that runs youth voice programmes across the UK.

Annabel Hughes, project leader for the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Commission, said: "We are delighted to be working with the Police and Crime Commissioner on this project.

"Bringing youth influence into police practices in the local community is such an exciting initiative, and we are looking forward to facilitating this journey.

"We’ve been recruiting at college fairs, outreach with organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch and Mighty Girls, along with utilising our socials and wider network."

The next meeting of the Youth Commission will take place in December and provide an opportunity for them to meet with officers from Wiltshire Police.

This session will focus on fact-finding and debunking myths related to policing.

 

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