Young people have say on crime policy

YOUNG people have gathered for the first time this year with Cheshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) to discuss ideas for tackling the police and crime issues affecting Halton’s youth.

Cheshire Youth Commission welcomed back familiar faces and lots of new members.

Following the first year’s success, the organisation recruited more members to support the delivery of a wider remit.

It will include at least 2,000 conversations with young people, an advisory role on policing issues, specialist project work and support for the delivery of the recommendations the 2016 Youth Commission made as part of last year’s pilot.

Cheshire PCC David Keane said: “Knowing what our young people think is crucial to my policing plan as around a quarter of the county’s population is under 25.

“It’s important they have a voice and this is the ideal platform to get their views and importantly their ideas for tackling issues affecting young people.

“Having representation from such a diverse set of young people will help get the bigger picture, so I’m delighted to support the project and it was fantastic to meet all the young people hear how they want to make a different for their peers.”

Rose Dowling is director of Leaders Unlocked which co-ordinates the Youth Commission.

She said: “This launch event brought together a diverse group of young adults who are passionate about making a difference to crime and policing in Cheshire.

“They set a clear direction for this year’s Commission, selecting the priorities they most want to tackle.

“We look forward to supporting this group to gather and represent the views of 2,000 young people in their communities this year.”