Police Tour for Career Academy

Posting by Ranjit Hayer, Business Studies teacher

Myself and Principal Paul Ashdown went with the Career Academy students to Solihull Police Station yesterday for the latest visit organised as part of the Career Academy initiative at the College.

The scheme, which raises the aspirations and develops the employability skills of young people, involves not only visits, but also guest lectures, business mentoring and six-week paid internships with local firms.

The students toured Solihull Police Station and saw in practice how 999 calls are dealt with, including how staff respond to these calls. Staff also showed the students how major incidents are planned for and how the station itself is managed.

The students found out what makes a good police officer, including the importance of inter-personal skills and the skills that new applicants need to have. They learnt how the police is not just a public service, but it is run like any other business and how the current economic climate has affected the way police are recruited. Staff also spoke of the ways they are trying to improve the efficiency within the police force.

During the tour, we saw the custody cells and then looked at how finger printing is now done by simply scanning hands, thanks to new technology. Gone are the days of black ink all over people’s hands!

Chief Superintendant Dave Walker was present and he explained what his role involves, including night shift working, being part of the wider West Midlands force and helping other stations when man power is needed.

It was a good day out for all the students, and for Paul and I. We all enjoyed ourselves and learnt a lot. Carol Alldred, who sits of the Career Academy’s Local Advisory Board, organised this visit and we are grateful to her for that.

Check out www.facebook.com/solihullsixthform for more photos.