Free family events and activities to celebrate Mini Police programme

A new series of events designed to celebrate the achievements of the force’s Mini Police programme and bring communities together will take place this summer. 

Families, young people, and communities across the county are invited to take part in free, interactive fun days and learn more about Nottinghamshire Police’s work to engage with the public. 

At each event there will be static displays, information stands, activities to take part in and exciting operational demonstrations. 

The force’s Mini Police programme, which is part of the Prevention Hub, is designed for Year 5 primary school pupils to learn about preventing anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, understanding the law as well as prompting values of kindness, respect, and inclusivity over the 12 classroom-based sessions. 

The free events will be taking place on the following dates and are open to anyone who wants to learn more about community policing in Nottinghamshire. 

• Carr Bank Park, Mansfield, between 11am and 2pm on Saturday, June 22. 
• Robin Hood Chase Park, Nottingham, between 11am and 2pm on Saturday, July 13. 
• Melbourne Park, Nottingham, between 3pm and 6pm on Wednesday, July 17. 

An event previously advertised at the Forest Recreation Ground on June 26 has unfortunately been cancelled due to a leaders’ election debate taking place in Nottingham. 

Families can look forward to participating in various activities throughout the day – see the police dogs in action, have a go at driving a go-kart whilst wearing beer goggles, take on the bleep test, test your reaction skills at the Batak machine, dust for fingerprints with the crime scene investigation team, try on different types of police equipment and lots more. 

Across the three fun days, there will also be input from the force’s roads policing unit, cyber security, crime prevention, hate crime, honour-based abuse, and youth outreach teams as well as Nottingham Forest Community Trust, Trent Bridge Community Trust, and a performance from House of Pain Wrestling. 

The first cohort of pupils to complete the refreshed Mini Police programme, which was relaunched in December 2023, will be celebrated with a recognition ceremony during the events. 

The Prevention Hub is a collaboration between multiple force departments responsible for developing and delivering strategies to prevent crime and disorder throughout the city and county. 

Citizens in Policing Coordinator and Mini Police lead Barbara Strang said: “We’re throwing the doors wide open and inviting the entire community to join in on the entertainment at the Mini Police fun days. 

“These events are more than just Mini Police and are the perfect opportunity for the public to join our inclusive community celebration. 

“This is an opportunity for us to engage with families, young people, and the wider community to increase trust, build relationships and create safer, more cohesive neighbourhoods."

Citizens in Policing and Engagement Sergeant Kerry Hall said: “Through these events, we want to equip members of the public with the knowledge necessary so that they feel confident knowing how to report any concerns. 

“We have lots of fun activities planned with plenty of ways to get involved, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone later this summer.”