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Thousands of students in Nottingham have taken part in educational workshops led by police officers and staff to improve their safety and understanding of the law.
Nottinghamshire Police hosted a Safety Week at Nottingham College between October 14 and 18.
Officers and staff from across the force delivered a range of interactive presentations and workshops to educate and equip young people with the skills to recognise when they may be at risk from crime.
The sessions also aimed to strengthen relationships with young people, prevent and deter anti-social behaviour, and build trust and confidence between the police and the community.
In total, 15 different topics were delivered to students over 41 sessions via digital and in-person events at three of the college’s campuses - Basford, Adams and the City Hub.
The topics included knife crime, misogyny, drugs, county lines, hate crime, and keeping safe on a night out, amongst many others.
Each presentation was appropriately tailored to the audience and delivered by expert subject leads from the force who work in the relevant specialist departments.
One of the courses available to study at Nottingham College is Public Services, with many students then going on to careers in the police and other emergency services.
During the hard-hitting sessions, officers spoke candidly with young people about the realities of the dangers around them in a suitable environment through interactive presentations, group discussion work, impactful videos, and testimony from victims.
Students, who were accompanied by teaching staff during the powerful and thought-provoking sessions, also had the opportunity to ask any questions they wanted to officers and staff, or could speak with them separately at the end of a session.
Each session concluded with a feedback form that included discreet links to additional resources and further support services.
Following a session on consent, one student said: “The police officer gave explanations about how it is looked at in court and gave me confidence in how a sexual assault would be dealt with.”
Another student, following a child sexual exploitation session, added: “Now I know how to identify if anyone is involved in criminal activities, especially children who are at the age of 18 or below.”
The sessions were organised as part of the force’s Prevention Hub, which is a collaboration between multiple force departments responsible for developing and delivering strategies to prevent crime and disorder throughout the city and county.
It covers a range of areas including the youth outreach team, cadets, and mini police, with schemes that are designed to engage young people, equip them with life skills, and increase understanding of policing.
Citizens in policing coordinator Barbara Strang, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The Safety Week sessions with students have been a great success.
“It’s really important that we engage with young people and speak candidly with them about serious topics that may affect their lives and equip them with the necessary skills for those situations.
“As part of our work to proactively reduce and deter offending, we recognise the importance of providing young people with the opportunity to better protect themselves from becoming victims of crime and being able to speak with us about their concerns.
“I would like to extend my thanks to Nottingham College for their ongoing support in delivering these educational sessions.”
Natalie Stokes, Nottingham College’s safeguarding and behaviour manager, said: “The partnership between Nottingham College and Nottinghamshire Police has been a great success, reinforcing the value of working together to ensure student safety.
“This initiative has empowered our students with vital knowledge on how to stay safe both at college and in the community.
“By covering a range of important topics, we have equipped them with the tools they need to protect themselves and others. We look forward to continuing this important collaboration.”