Policing role for pupils

Two pupils at a village school have been elected junior police community support officers as part of an anti-bullying scheme.

William Marris (11) and Jack Faunt (11) have been presented with uniforms and notebooks.

They were elected as junior PCSOs by fellow pupils at Bassingham Primary School in an initiative run by Lincolnshire Police.

Pupils can talk to them in confidence and the school also has a listening box where pupils can post any concerns anonymously.

William and Jack, helped by two deputies, Charlie Brewer (11) and Jack Short (11) try to help them resolve their problems.

All four have been issued with yellow vests, pocket notebooks and pens.

An adult police community support officer with Lincolnshire Police, Chris Boyle, said: “These children act as important campaigners in their school, helping to resolve any instances of bullying and other issues affecting their peers.

“Taking on this role is a real achievement and they should be proud of this. They do a lot of good work in the school.

“They have already helped a number of their peers who have raised worries like not having someone to play with at playtime and problems at home.”

The junior PCSOs were given an insight into real policing when they visited the county force communications and control centre at Nettleham and police dog trials at Lincolnshire Showground.

They wrote a report based on their experiences and delivered it to the rest of the school during assembly.

The junior PCSOs are now working alongside the village beat team to resolve local issues, such as school parking.

A teacher, Mrs Ann Magri, said: “It’s an interesting initiative.

“The individuals who act as officers take their responsibilities very seriously.

“They are quite vigilant. If anything is going on that they are concerned about they do report back.”

Also taking part in the initiative are Brant Broughton and Witham St Hughs primary schools.