Tackling knife crime, debunking myths and insight into Donald Trump’s latest state visit were just a few hot topics as our recently elected Youth Commissioners (YCs) joined West Midlands Police out on patrol in Birmingham city centre this week.
They were given a front-row view of frontline policing in and around the city’s famous Christmas market for Operation Festive, West Midlands Police’s annual initiative to keep residents, shoppers and visitors safe during the busy festive period.
With a strong focus on visible policing, crime prevention and reassurance in crowded public spaces, the evening provided the YCs a valuable opportunity to see how policing decisions are made on the ground and to explore the issues affecting the city centre first-hand.
Understanding city centre challenges
As they were introduced to the policing team, officers talked the YCs through some of the key challenges they face in the city centre, including the misuse of e-bikes, retail crime, anti-social behaviour and the pressures that come with large crowds during the Christmas market.
The Youth Commissioners shared their own perspectives on how crime could be tackled, highlighting the importance of early intervention, community engagement and better communication with young people. They stressed that understanding why issues occur is just as important as enforcement alone.
‘Priceless’ insight from officers
The group, who were recently elected to represent their peers across the West Midlands after a record number of votes, praised the officers who accompanied them on patrol, describing the experience as “priceless”. The informal conversations allowed the YCs to ask honest questions about policing life – some serious, some light-hearted.
Among the more entertaining moments Youth Commissioner for Walsall, Deroy Selby, was shocked to learn that officers don’t receive free food at their stations, while an officer put long-standing myths to rest by confirming that no-one has ever asked to use a police hat as a toilet – and that the rumour about pregnant women doing so is just that, a myth.
Behind-the-scenes policing
The officers also shared some of the most memorable moments of their careers. These included being involved in major national and international operations such as the policing of US President Donald Trump’s visit, which required specialist security measures, and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
When asked what issues they would most like the Youth Commissioners to help raise awareness of, the city policing team highlighted serious youth violence and knife crime, particularly the need to understand why some young people carry knives and how that behaviour can be prevented.
Listening to the public
As part of the visit, the Youth Commissioners also interviewed members of the public in the city centre to gather their views on anti-social behaviour. Their feedback will help support a West Midlands Police ASB awareness campaign due to launch in February 2026, ensuring that community voices – especially young people’s – play a role in shaping future policing priorities.
The visit underlined the purpose of the Youth Commissioner programme: to give young people a meaningful voice in policing and crime matters across the region. By taking part in Operation Festive, the new cohort has already begun bridging the gap between young people, the police and the communities they serve.
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