Cops listen to Durham kids (From Durham Times)

Cops listen to Durham kids

10:50am Friday 29th June 2012 in News By Mark Tallentire, Reporter (Durham)

POLICE are visiting primary schools to hear the views of children.

Durham Constabulary’s Sherburn Neighbourhood Policing Team has extended the Police and Communities Together (Pact) meetings concept to hold ‘Mini-Pacts’ at primary schools across Durham City.

It is believed they could be the first such meetings held in the UK.

More than a dozen schools have already signed up.

The sessions last half an hour and a teacher is present throughout.

Issues raised to date include problems of bullying, underage drinking and speeding vehicles.

Acting Sergeant Ralph Thompson said: "It’s not unusual for schools to host Pact meetings but we believe Durham is the first to hold them just for pupils.

"I think that children’s views, especially of primary school age, are often ignored and not acted upon, which is why this project was suggested to the schools.

"It gives us an ideal opportunity to find out what’s happening in the local area and to establish what problems the kids are experiencing and what concerns them.

"Instead of our officers making formal visits to schools and talking at the kids, we’re going in to listen to them. They’re making us aware of issues we might not otherwise have heard about."

Gaynor Davidson, headteacher of Laurel Avenue Primary School, on Sherburn Road Estate, said: "This has already had a huge impact on the confidence and community awareness of our children, who know that their opinions and views are listened to and acted upon as they are empowered to become more active citizens in their locality."