Youth Commissioners from across the West Midlands have taken to the streets alongside West Midlands Police to experience the reality of frontline policing and ensure the voices of young people are heard at the highest levels.
In a series of intensive ride-along shifts and patrols, the Commissioners joined officers in busy city centres and responded to emergency calls in police vehicles. The initiative provided a transparent look at the challenges facing the force while allowing the Commissioners to advocate for and represent their peers directly with senior Local Policing Area commanders.
During these visits, the Youth Commissioners challenged senior officers on critical issues, including:
- Improving engagement: How police can better connect with and build trust among young people.
- Safety on public transport: Addressing specific concerns regarding travel across the region.
- Debunking myths: Clarifying the realities of police powers and the toughest decisions officers face daily.
The programme aims to bridge the gap between the police and the next generation, ensuring that regional policing strategies are informed by the lived experiences of young people.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “It is vital that our Youth Commissioners see first-hand the challenging work of frontline officers. By putting their questions directly to senior commanders, they are ensuring that the concerns of young people are not just heard but acted upon. This is about building a modern police force that is accountable, approachable and effective for everyone in our community.”
Selected from a record-breaking election process, the Youth Commissioners represent diverse communities across the West Midlands. This frontline engagement follows previous successful initiatives, such as Operation Festive, and reinforces the PCC’s commitment to empowering and investing in our young people.
A video capturing the highlights of the patrols and the discussions with senior officers can be viewed on the PCC’s official TikTok channel: @westmidspcc.
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