'˜Mini police' on patrol thanks to new project

Pupils aged nine to 11 from High Oakham Primary School, on Nottingham Road, were welcomed into Nottinghamshire Police at the special event.

They were invited to take fingerprints, learned how to use police radios and got up close with a police car.

Some 60 students from three schools were involved in the day and all were all presented with a mini police cap at the event at Southwark Primary School, Basford, Nottingham.

The event is part of a year- long project which will see the youngsters deployed over the upcoming months, learning about issues such as internet and road safety and bullying.

Inspector Nick Butler, Mansfield district commander said: “This is a wonderful idea and helps us build those important relationships between young people and the police.

“Our Mini Police team will now be deployed regularly over the coming months, firstly tackling an educational-led project covering issues such as road safety, internet safety and bullying.

“It’s brilliant that we are doing this in Mansfield and builds on strong relations with the local schools”

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cooper, who gave the new recruits their police caps at the event, said: “This is a great way for the children to meet some of our officers and learn about some of the work we do on a day-to-day basis.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how they get on with their projects throughout the year, while learning about the work of the police, making an difference in their communities.”