Young people become police officer for the day

The event, the first of its kind in the area, saw four youth councils from Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey, and Lisburn Rural come together to experience ‘life’ as a police officer.

The four hour interactive exercise put young people in the role of an officer, asking them to react to a dynamic situation by making live decisions on attending calls and deciding what actions they could or should take in response to a variety of different incidents.

The exercise also examined the use of Intelligence and Tactical Support Groups, providing an opportunity for the young people to explore the work of the wider police family.

Inspector Colin Audley, who organised the event, said: “The purpose of this unique exercise was to enable our young people to see what it is like for an operational police officer to pursue an investigation while still giving consideration to the needs of the community.

“The focus on the day was not on law and procedure but on dealing with community concerns, vulnerabilities and preventing serious harm through partnership working.

“I hope that by taking part the young people from the four youth councils have gained a valuable insight into how police, communities and other agencies can come together to defeat criminality. “