Nottinghamshire Youth Council group allowing young people to help shape Nottinghamshire Police services

Young people can now help shape policing services through a new group giving youngsters a stronger voice.

The youth independent advisory group was launched in January this year to build on the work of the Nottinghamshire Youth Council by building trust and better relationships between young people and Nottinghamshire Police.

The sessions are taking place at YMCA in Nottingham city centre.

Members have already given insights on how the force can use social media to engage and communicate with young people.

Other suggestions include updating crime prevention presentations in schools and offering more opportunities for youngsters to attend.

It was suggested for them to observe police officers’ training sessions, be able to give feedback and ask questions.

Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “The importance of this kind of work is made really clear when you consider how police forces nationwide have been shocked and saddened by the outcome of Baroness Casey’s recent review into the Metropolitan Police, which found institutional racism, misogyny and homophobia in the London force.

“It is really important that we remain vigilant to ensure there is no place for discrimination and hate within Nottinghamshire Police and that we continue to work with all sections of the community, including young people, to promote equality, diversity and inclusivity in everything we do.

“Trust and confidence in policing in general has taken a dip due to national issues so it is incredibly important that we do everything we can to rebuild it here in Nottinghamshire.”

The workshops are promoted by Leaders Unlocked, an organisation that enables young people and underrepresented groups to have a stronger voice on issues affecting their lives and better decision-making.

The police superintendent Suk Verma has been taking part in the sessions and he admitted that it allows the forces to improve the quality of their services and that it has been a learning experience for both.

One of the youth independent advisory group members said: ‘‘My experience has been really interesting and insightful.

“I feel like through the meetings I have been able to gain more knowledge surrounding the police and have had opportunities to work with other young people to figure out how to share that knowledge with Nottinghamshire youths.’’