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Dozens of Year Six pupils from Ysgolion Pen Barras, Borthyn, Stryd y Rhos and Plas Cefndy Stepping Stones South in Ruthin gathered together on the morning of 2 April for a show and tell event with North Wales Police, where officers from several units came to speak to the children, show them how they do their valuable job of keeping the community safe, and to answer any questions they had.
The event was the first of its kind in North Wales and took place at the joint Ysgol Pen Barras/Ysgol Stryd y Rhos site in the town. It was organised by local resident and Chair of the North Wales Police and Crime Panel, Pat Astbury and Stryd y Rhos Headteacher Mr Andy Davies. Pat was joined at the event by guests including Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Wayne Jones; incoming High Sheriff for Clwyd Julie Gillbanks; Police and Community Trust Manager Kelsey Reed; Ruthin town councillor Anne Roberts MBE and county councillor Emrys Wynne.
The children each took it in turn to visit three different teams from North Wales Police who are usually based at Divisional HQ in St Asaph. They were the roads crime unit, the drone team, and the firearms unit. Representatives from the local neighbourhood policing team in Ruthin were also present to add to the strong showing by officers, who were all keen to share their knowledge with the pupils, talk about the demands of their roles, and to let them know that police officers are there for their safety and protection as younger members of the community.
The children were excited to try on shields, helmets and other body armour, all under the careful supervision of officers, and to see a drone in action flying above the schools, as well as to explore a police car with sirens ringing. Many of the young people showed genuine interest in the work of the police and asked questions about how the body armour works, the day-to-day life of a police officer and how they enjoy being in the Force.
The officers present from North Wales Police were impressed with the interest and enthusiasm of the pupils who were all a credit to their schools and community.
Pat Astbury commented: “It was fantastic to see the interaction between the learners and the police. There will be an ongoing project for the schools following this event which will be about an issue that concerns us all and I hope to share more about this as it progresses.”
Sgt Lisa Jones, from the local neighbourhood policing team said: “It was a great opportunity to be able to engage with our local schools in Ruthin and show them the work of the North Wales Police. We hope to have more days like this across the district so that we can meet even more younger members of our community and speak to them about our work and the importance of staying safe.”
Mr Andy Davies, Headteacher at Ysgol Stryd y Rhos added: “It was wonderful on Wednesday to welcome children from Ysgol Pen Barras, Ysgol Borthyn, and Ysgol Plas Cefndy to join our Year 6 pupils at the Police show and tell event. Officers from North Wales Police came along to talk to the children and to show them some of the vehicles and equipment that are used as part of the role of a modern Police Officer. We had a patrol car, a traffic car, drone team vehicle and firearms team vehicle, along with their respective officers, to demonstrate to, talk with, and answer the questions of some very excited children. The children had a fantastic time and learned a great deal about modern policing. A huge thank you to the fantastic officers of North Wales Police, who were so approachable, patient, and positive with the children and their many, many questions.”
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales Waye Jones added: “Engaging with young people is a vital part of policing and something the Police and Crime Commissioner is committed to as part of his plan for fighting crime in North Wales. I am grateful to Pat Astbury for organising this day and to the officers for coming and speaking to the youngsters. As Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner it’s a pleasure to see how much interest the pupils showed in the work of the police and I hope this enthusiasm and trust will continue as they go up into high school and beyond.”