Twenty-two youngsters from Bethany CE Junior School in Boscombe visited Poole Police Station for special guided tours, thanks to Variety The Children’s Charity.
As well as learning about the work of the force, the children got to sit in the driver’s seat of a police van and try on the various hats and headwear used by police officers.
They even got a taste of life in a cell and had their fingerprints taken.
The children, aged seven to ten, were shown round by Community Support Officers Matt Hayhurst and Kerrie Giles who answered their many questions, giving an overview of the varied work
undertaken by police officers.
The youngsters discovered that it is not all crime investigation, traffic control and dealing with fights.
There’s also a lot of work in the local community aimed at making people feel safer and more secure.
The visits were organised by Variety Wessex committee member Peter Jenkins.
The children arrived in the Sunshine coach, presented last year to Bethany School by Shan Seewooruthun and members of the BC Club.
After the visits they tucked into burgers and fries at McDonald’s.
Matt Hayhurst said: “Kerrie and I enjoyed our mornings showing the Bethany School group round Poole Police Station.
“They were great kids, very enthusiastic and asked really good questions.”
Frances Cornelius, Chair of Variety Wessex, said: “Thank you Matt, Kerrie and all the staff at Poole Police Station for giving these children such interesting mornings.
“They really did have a fascinating time learning about your police work.
“You are very busy people and we so appreciate the time you have given them.
“A very big thank you to Peter Jenkins for organising this wonderful experience for our Bethany children.
“Also thank you McDonald’s for looking after our groups and providing a meal that all the children enjoyed.”
Elisabeth Rawson-Jones, Pastoral Lead at Bethany CE Junior School, said: “What a wonderful time. Kerrie and Matt were great with the children from the moment we arrived.
“It was such a positive experience for our children, some even wanting to join when they are older.
“An incredible result when some of these children are exposed to negative attitudes to the police.
“For them to see things from the other side and have so much fun was invaluable.
“Thank you everyone involved, and particularly Frances, for enabling these children to have some amazing memories to look back on.”
- All pictures courtesy of Hattie Miles.
