Wiltshire PCC hears views of young people at Youth Commission workshop

Young people had their say on policing priorities and issues in Wiltshire at a session attended by Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). 

Members of the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Commission met with PCC Philip Wilkinson this week to discuss policing in the county, as well as share plans to carry out workshops in schools and conduct surveys amongst other young people around what drives crime and vulnerability.  

The Youth Commission, which is run by Participation People on behalf of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), represents young people across the county and ensures that young people’s views and experiences are reflected in the work done by the OPCC and Wiltshire Police. 

During the session, the group discussed how to effectively reach out to young people and the importance of providing preventative and alternative pathways for those on the edge of criminality. 

Mr Wilkinson said: “The Youth Commission’s role is to gather information and data from their peers so we can have informative and positive discussions about how my office and Wiltshire Police can provide a better service and proactively engage with young people in the county. 

“It was great to be able to have such open and honest conversations with the young people and hear about their plans to gather the views of their peers. I very much look forward to seeing the responses from their upcoming survey.  

“Taking the views of the Youth Commission and the young people they represent on board will serve us well in the future to make further positive strides in the work we’re doing, as well as directly deliver priority one of my Police and Crime Plan, a police service that meets the needs of its communities.” 

Evie, 12 said: “This is a really great opportunity for us to speak out for other young people to give them a voice when speaking to the Commissioner. I really enjoyed being part of the mini police in primary school and this lets me continue to have a say.” 

Jake, 12 said: “From the age of 10 children and young people can come into contact with the police, so it’s important they have a voice in policing and that is what we are aiming to do.” 

A spokesperson from the Participation People Delivery Team said: “Partnering with the Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner on the WYAG project has been nothing short of incredible.  

“From the passion and drive shown by the young people to make a real-world impact, through to the OPCC’s commitment to truly listening to future generations and acting on their feedback. The collaboration has been inspiring! 

“Through interactive workshops, focus groups and independent research, the WYAG young people have developed a comprehensive action plan for Wiltshire and Swindon Police to address the issues that matter most to them – from tackling institutional racism to addressing the peer pressure that can lead young people to offend. 

“It’s projects and partnerships like this that remind us exactly why we do what we do – and highlight the real power of meaningful youth engagement fostered by co-production and community.” 

To find out more about the work of the Youth Commission, please visit the OPCC website.