Hampshire Constabulary is launching a Youth Independent Advisory Group (IAG) on the Isle of Wight to give young people on the Island the opportunity to question policing practices and review the work done with major investigations, incidents, and issues that impact the local community.
Those aged between 14 and 25-years-old are encouraged to take part in the new project and review, challenge and scrutinise the police’s work on specific investigations and local policing protocol.
PCSO Steve Hull and Inspector Adam Henderson-Parish will be the Force’s representatives and will organise the group.
Insp Henderson-Parish said:
“Engagement with young people is important for Hampshire Constabulary in order for us to learn how we can more effectively engage with different communities, people and groups. We want to learn what younger people think of what we do, how we do it, and take on their advice to track, learn and improve our processes.”
The team of young volunteers will be asked to meet up 6 times a year and may be asked to help officers with investigations and work outside of normal hours if needed. Expenses will be paid to those who have to travel.
They will also have the opportunity to accompany officers out on duty, and share their views with them and the rest of the team.
PCSO Hull said:
“You don’t need any qualifications or experience, your opinion and willingness is enough. We want your valuable insight and advice, that’s it.”
Being part of the Youth IAG will give you first-hand insight into policing, investigations and the community, and will also provide a platform for you to develop your skills for your CV and future career.
To apply, visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/police-forces/hampshire-constabulary/areas/careers/careers/independent-advisory-groups/.
Applicants should hear back from police within 4 weeks of submitting an application.
Unsuccessful applicants will still be able to attend focus groups, complete online surveys and provide their opinions on local policing.
If you want to get involved in helping us review our work, but you don’t want to commit to the group, you can find our more information by contacting PCSO Hull at [email protected].
This sounds like yet another ‘gimmick’ to either try to ‘get the youth on side’, or to get the public to think that the Police are doing something about the rise in young troublemakers.
Problem being only the decent young will apply. Anyone with a disability or anyone black will be at the front of the queue and pushed well to the fore in any photo shoot.
Yet, apart from wasting more cash, more Police time, it will achieve nothing in lowering youth problems.
Yet today, it is all about ‘making it look good’ rather than getting to the root of issues, as it needs too much effort to do that.