Storybook character starts work for Thames Valley Police
PC Ben is being used in school visits to engage and educate children
Thames Valley Police have a new team member straight from a storybook.
PC Ben is the latest recruit by Thames Valley Police to help build trust in the police, and educate in what they do.
Children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 are set to be introduced to him through a story book.
Officers will visit schools to introduce them to the story book and talk about the role of police officers in communities.
Last week Brooklands Farm Primary School in Milton Keynes was one of the first to hold a visit, but the initiative is force wide.
Sergeant Andy Ward, of the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit, said:
“Building early positive relationships between young people and the police is a key way that we can help tackle the root causes of crime and serious violence early on. We can build trust, confidence and it helps us maintain good relationships as those children grow older.
“The PC Ben lesson initiative is part of a wider project to work with young people at all ages to help them avoid being drawn into crime and particularly carrying knives.
“In the coming months, my neighbourhood policing colleagues will be arranging visits to schools and are looking forward to reading the story and speaking with children across the force area.”
2,700 copies of the book have been purchased, with around 900 infant and primary schools across the whole Thames Valley to each receive three copies.
Parents will receive access to a digital version of the book so they can re-visit it at home with their children. Children will also receive colouring sheets and stickers.