Plymouth students get an exciting insight into police careers

Plymouth officers have put together another successful work experience scheme to give local students an interesting insight into police life.

The young people from year groups 10 and 11 were invited to apply from 12 secondary schools across the city (PHSG, ICC, Eggbuckland Community College, Torbridge High, Coombe Dean, Plymstock School, Plympton Academy, All Saints Academy, Torpoint, St Boniface, Heles School, Sir John Hunt).

The students enjoyed a varied array of inputs from many different Devon & Cornwall Police departments including: Public Enquiry Office, Major Crime Investigation Team, Crime Scene Investigation, Response/Patrol officers, Drones, Dog Unit, Diving & Marine Unit, Call Management, Positive Action Team, the Road Casualty Reduction Team, Camera Safety Team and last but not least - Student Officer Training team.

PC Deb Hart, Plymouth Youth Engagement Officer, helped create the exciting week. She said: “These schemes are extremely popular with students and give a valuable insight into the many different jobs in policing that make up the whole Force. I would like to pass on my sincere gratitude to each and every person for the incredible part that they played, ensuring this year’s Plymouth work experience programme was a huge success. All those taking part played a vital role ensuring that the week was inspiring, engaging and insightful.

“Many people gave up their valuable time to make the week happen and several students, as a result of this week, have grown in confidence and are now considering a career with Devon & Cornwall Police - this is fantastic news and a great outcome for us.”

On the last day the students were asked to consider what Devon & Cornwall Police need to start thinking about now in order to be the best police force in five (or even 10) years' time – they presented their findings to Plymouth Police Commander Matt Longman and his senior management team.

The work experience course takes place each summer in June or July for students aged 15 and 16 years of age. All students who take part in the special week receive certificates to mark their achievement.

Other police teams across Devon and Cornwall also arrange work experience opportunities for local students. If you are interested in finding out more about these opportunities please visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website Youth experience with the police - information and advice for children and students

If you are aged between 13-18 and would like more information about joining the Volunteer Police Cadets please click here Devon & Cornwall Police Cadets - information and advice for children and students