This week we took the Youth Forum Members of Birmingham Empowerment Forum to a pre-arranged visit to Birmingham's Steelhouse Lane Police Station and also a visit to Lloyd House and The Office of The West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner where they met the Deputy Yvonne Mosquito.
They had a long discussion on various topics with Supt Richard Baker, varying from the issues young people face with stop and search, Police careers, complaints, the changing face of Policing generally; which they found useful and informative, for all concerned to be perfectally honest.
They then visited the control room where they saw the emergency services alongside the extensive use of new technology in policing and the comprehensive cctv system. Furthermore, they visited the central 'lockup' which was an experience for them as they realised it definitley not a walk in the park, to coin a phrase.
They then went onto Lloyd House and a visit with Deputy PCC Yvonne Mosquito.
It was an interesting conversation as she gave then an insight to her personal journey to where she is today along with the duties of the PCC Office and their accountability to an electorate unlike previously.
The Youngsters found this powerful as they realised someone for very humble beginnings a can make a difference and the key element is anyone with the determination, drive.self belief and ambition can make it.
They had a long discussion on various topics with Supt Richard Baker, varying from the issues young people face with stop and search, Police careers, complaints, the changing face of Policing generally; which they found useful and informative, for all concerned to be perfectally honest.
They then visited the control room where they saw the emergency services alongside the extensive use of new technology in policing and the comprehensive cctv system. Furthermore, they visited the central 'lockup' which was an experience for them as they realised it definitley not a walk in the park, to coin a phrase.
They then went onto Lloyd House and a visit with Deputy PCC Yvonne Mosquito.
It was an interesting conversation as she gave then an insight to her personal journey to where she is today along with the duties of the PCC Office and their accountability to an electorate unlike previously.
The Youngsters found this powerful as they realised someone for very humble beginnings a can make a difference and the key element is anyone with the determination, drive.self belief and ambition can make it.
Our next Youth forum Meeting is scheduled for Saturday 7th September, please look out for confirmation all are welcome.
Desmond Jaddoo