Cheshire Youth Commission ‘Big Conversation’ highlights improvements for policing

On Wednesday 1st November, the Cheshire Youth Commission held their annual ‘Big Conversation’ conference at Police HQ.

The Youth Commission presented its report detailing how Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer, Cheshire Constabulary and their partners can improve engagement with young people across the county.

The Youth Commission is made up of volunteers aged 14-25 who support, challenge and inform the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Cheshire Constabulary.

Over the past 12 months, the Youth Commission has carried out an extensive consultation gathering over 1,400 responses from young people across the county. The responses highlight opinions, thoughts and feelings on how the police interact with young people and how to amplify their voices in policing.

The Youth Commission took the consultation’s findings and developed them into four key priority areas with recommendations on how policing could improve: Hate crimes, community safety, online safety and relationships with the police.

The Commissioner and Deputy Chief Constable Chris Armitt were amongst delegates listening to the recommendations highlighted by the Youth Commission.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer said:

“Under 25s represent almost a quarter of the population, so it’s only right they have a voice in policing and it’s important that voice is listened to. I would like to thank the Youth Commission for delivering their findings and welcome their recommendations, which I look forward to working with them on.

“I want to thank the Youth Commission for all of their work to make Cheshire even safer. It is greatly appreciated.”

Chris Armitt, Deputy Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary, said:

“We were delighted to host the Cheshire Youth Commission’s annual conference at headquarters last night. It is a great opportunity for Cheshire Police to engage and build relationships with the young people of the county.”

For more information about Cheshire Youth Commission, visit: 

www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/youth-commission

Pictured - PCC John Dwyer, DCC Chris Armitt and the Youth Commission.