Youth Commission

The Youth Commission enables young people aged 14-25 to support, challenge and inform the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon. 

Young people are able to gain new knowledge, skills and experiences, and have their say on crime and policing issues that matter most to them and their peers. 

Who can join?  

Participants must be aged 14-25 years and live in the Wiltshire Force area.

To be a successful Youth Commissioner, you will be a team player with a commitment to the project and willingness to take part in all activities.

The Youth Commission aims to recruit a diverse group of young people, who broadly reflect the make-up of the local population. The group may include young people with direct experience of the police and criminal justice system.   

What do Youth Commissioners do?  

• Take part in up to four Youth Commission sessions
• Work on a community safety topic, which interests your group. Subjects may include relationships with the police, reducing youth offending or drug abuse
• Collect the views of other young people at schools, colleges, universities and youth groups. After training, each Youth Commissioner will carry out about 30 hours of peer consultation during the project
• Design, plan and help to run events engaging with other young people and partner agencies
• Analyse information collected during consultation and report back to the Police and Crime Commissioner with your conclusions
• Help to host the Youth Commission Conference, which gives you the chance to present your project’s results and recommendations to the Police and Crime Commissioner. It’s also an opportunity to take part in discussions with Wiltshire Police, partner agencies and other young people.   

What do Young People get from taking part in the Youth Commission? 

• The chance to discuss issues with the Police and Crime Commissioner, police and key partners and help them understand what young people think about policing and crime.
• The opportunity to develop valuable skills and experience, which look good on a CV and can be used for job applications as well as applying for further or higher education;
• Give a voice to young people in your area by representing them and helping to get their views heard.
• The chance to meet a wide range of new people and work with professionals from different organisations.

What were last year's priorities?

• Mental Health
• Community Safety
• Social Media
• Gang and Drug Culture
• Relationships with the Police