PCC welcomes Youth Commission report recommendations
Serious violence, hate crime, exploitation and relationships with the police are some of the issues researched by Wiltshire’s Youth Commission, a group of 14–25 year olds who provide a voice in police and crime matters for young people across the county.
Following their conference held in April, the Youth Commission have released their annual report and a list of recommendations that will feed into policing and which is already shaping the Police and Crime Plan, which will come into effect later this year.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson said:
“The work of the Youth Commission has been and will continue to be incredibly important to Wiltshire Police and my Office. They helped me to select Chief Constable, Catherine Roper as well as helping her to appoint a new Deputy Chief Constable and new Assistant Chief Constable. “Their role in shaping the future of Wiltshire Police has been pivotal and cannot be underestimated in ensuring that the force is much better able to connect and communicate positively with young people and children from as many different backgrounds as possible.
“After the outstanding presentations by the Young Commissioners at the “Big Conversation” conference, we need to take their findings and recommendations and put them to good use to further improve how we interact with young people and children, and deal with crimes that matter to them.
My pledge to them is that their efforts won’t just disappear into the ether but will continue to play a key part of our strategies for engaging with young people long into the future.”
This intake of the Youth Commission, which was run by Leaders Unlocked on behalf of the OPCC, was established to ensure that young people, including underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, have a stronger voice on issues that affect their lives and directly influence police and crime priorities.
Members engaged with more than 1400 of their peers across the county who identified and fed back on six key priorities and gave recommendations on the following areas:
- Police visibility in areas with high volume crime
- Knife crime awareness
- Raised awareness amongst officers of neurological disabilities
- Greater focus on prevention and early intervention of criminal behaviour
- Increased presence of police at community events
The recommendations will enable Wiltshire Police, the Commissioner, and other agencies, including local authorities, to improve the services and support they offer to young people, ensuring their needs are met.
Wiltshire Police Superintendent, Guy Elkins said:
“One of the main things I picked up from this, was that young people share many of the concerns I do around knife crime, violence against women and girls, hate crime and the need to forge stronger relationships within our communities between younger people and the police.
“Through using their recommendations, it falls upon us, and our partners across a number of public agencies, to take their work forward and develop working strategies to build upon their good ideas, show them they are being listened to and continue to involve them in our conversations.
“Their report gives us all a fresh perspective on how young people view crime and the police and I’d like to thank them for their hard work and their research.”
To read the report in full please visit: wsyc-final-report-2023-2024.pdf (wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk)
Feedback from some of the Youth Commission members:
“Being part of the Swindon and Wiltshire Youth Commission has been an amazing experience.
“Sitting in on the hiring panels for Deputy Chief Inspector and Assistant Chief Inspector roles at Wiltshire Police was eye-opening. Asking questions to candidates and giving feedback was serious but rewarding.
“Working with the Police and crime commissioner and other organizations has given me a sense of purpose.
“Engaging with various people has helped me grow personally and professionally.
“The supportive environment has allowed me to express my opinions and take on responsibilities.
“Being part of this group has deepened my understanding of society and inspired me to advocate for positive changes.
“Overall, my journey with the Youth Commission has been transformative, providing invaluable experiences and lessons.” Nikhita
“Despite the time flying by this year, I have thoroughly enjoyed the work and engagement that we young commissioners have experienced this year.
The YIAGs (Youth Independent Advisory Groups), the meeting’s and the final conference have made me reflect back on this year’s work and the progress made over the past 3 years.” Jack
“I have been a member of the youth commission for one year; during my year we have done many workshops a few of which I have been part of, I enjoyed these as I got to present to peers which helped boost my confidence.
“Another experience I enjoyed in my time with the youth commission was the conferences we attended and presented at such as: the VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) conference, the big conversation, and the youth safety summit which was held in the STEAM museum, which I learnt a lot from.
“I enjoyed it so much that I would love to do it again if the opportunity arises.” Joel
“I have been in the Youth Commission for nearly a year now, and over that time I have gone to a number of meetings and events.
“I think for me, the best part about being in the Commission is knowing that I am making a difference in how the Police are governed in my area, and potentially our work could lead to changes of policy or the Police focusing more on young people’s priorities.
“Everyone in the Youth Commission is friendly and helpful, and the project coordinators’ support has been really beneficial to me and my confidence.
“The Youth Commission has also given me an opportunity to practice my public speaking, for example at the Big Conversation Conference recently, when I presented some of the findings of our surveys to the PCC for Wiltshire, and many other figures in Policing.
“Overall, being a part of the Youth Commission has helped to shape my character and develop my confidence over the past year and I hope to stay on for the next year!” Milo
