Officers engage with local school children

Banbridge Neighbourhood Policing Team recently took part in a cross community school event with Speedwell Trust.
Sergeant Billy Stewart and Constable Colin Madine of Banbridge NPT, with children from Edenderry and St Marys Primary School.Sergeant Billy Stewart and Constable Colin Madine of Banbridge NPT, with children from Edenderry and St Marys Primary School.
Sergeant Billy Stewart and Constable Colin Madine of Banbridge NPT, with children from Edenderry and St Marys Primary School.

Officers delivered an activity day as part of a wider programme of events to raise awareness of safety, crime and consequences and to get to know children from the local area better. Pupils from St Mary’s Primary School and Edenderry Primary School took part.

Officers set up four stations for the events: Who wants to be a Millionaire which included questions for the children around police themes, police equipment, police vehicles and a video on keeping safe. Sergeant Billy Stewart also delivered a presentation and took questions from the kids.

The feedback from the schools involved was very positive and the children enjoyed having the opportunity to see police equipment and vehicles at close quarters.

Sergeant Stewart said: “One of the highlights of our job is getting to meet children from the communities we serve. It is a delight to speak to them and make them aware that we are here to help them. It also allows children to develop trust in the police and encourages them to interact with us and build relationships which can benefit them in years to come.

“I would like to thank Edenderry and St Mary’s for welcoming us and Speedwell for including us in this very worthwhile cross community project.”