Mini Police scheme launches in Bolton

After a successful year in Wigan, the Mini Police scheme has expanded across the force.

Other districts are now following suit and are in the process of attesting youngsters as mini GMP officers, with Bolton being the first area to welcome in new young officers.

The district neighbourhood teams have chosen two schools to work with this year - St Mary’s CE Primary and Chorley New Road Primary Academy.

To mark the launch of the scheme, Sergeant Oliver Cooper invited the children, their families and teachers to Bolton Wanderers Football Club where they were given a tour of the stadium before attending the attestation ceremony.

The Mini Police scheme, run by neighbourhood officers, sees children aged 8 to 10 from primary schools engage in activities to build a strong relationship between the young people of Greater Manchester and the police.

The programme is designed to introduce children to the world of law enforcement and instead of traditional perceptions of the police, this programme aims to break down barriers within younger communities to establish a connection between young individuals and local officers which will create a positive attitude towards the role of police officers in society.

Bolton Superintendent Ian Jones, who previously launched the Mini Police in Wigan last year, and new District Commander, Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, supported the group by welcoming them to GMP.

Superintendent Jones said: “Everyone in your school now will be looking to you for advice, and your role as a mini police officer will be to help them choose the right path and make the right decisions.

“I want everyone to work hard, take everything in, learn from the activities but also share what you learn with your peers.

“My biggest message to you is ‘just think’. Whether you’re at school, home or out in the community, just think what the consequence of your decision is. Think to yourself ‘how will this decision affect me, my family, my friends, my community?’

“Making the right choice can sometimes be tough, but as long as you’re thinking about your decisions and the consequences, I know you’ll be fantastic role models to your friends and the rest of the community.”