Youth Commission calls for improved police communication
A survey has highlighted young people's concerns in Wiltshire
Young people in Wiltshire are highlighting their biggest safety concerns to Police.
It's thanks to a survey carried out by the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Commission (WSYC), which found youngsters want to see better engagement from the Force and more uniformed officers on our streets.
The results have been presented to Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, as well as senior Police officials.
More than 600 young people aged between 11 and 22 responded to the survey, with knife crime being their main area of concern.
It also raised questions social media usage, mental health while also pointing out what they thought the police did well and what could be improved.
Charlie, a WSYC member, said the survey was well received by officers.
He said: “I felt like the police officers wanted to engage with our presentation and they wanted a better understanding of what we'd put our efforts into.
“Now I want to see Wiltshire Police make changes based on recommendations and to keep us updated on the work they’re doing.”
Members of the Youth Commission led conversations about how communication could be improved, including which platforms and language could be used.
PCC Philip Wilkinson agrees that hitting the right note with young people is vital.
“This presentation and these discussions are just the first step in the process. Now we need to ensure that further action is taken and this important body of work isn’t ignored or put on the back burner," he said. “By communicating more with young people in Wiltshire and making our communication with young people better, it will help to make them feel safer."
Another WSYC member, Ellie, shares the PCC's view on communication, saying it will help break down barriers.
"In some of the survey results there was perception of fear," she said. We know that crime rates are lower in Wiltshire and Swindon, but people don't believe that, and the advertisement needs to be better.
“That advertisement is centred towards the adults of the world who have a better understanding. Targeting that language towards the younger generations will help them understand what's going on in life.”
Chief Superintendent Doug Downing, Wiltshire Police’s head of local policing, said action could be taken straight away.
“There were a number of suggestions made by the Youth Commissioners that I can look at immediately, including the platforms we use to engage with young people.
“There are also more deep routed issues where I’d like us to work more closely with the Youth Commission, and I’ll be taking steps to invite them to HQ so we can discuss.
“The Young Commissioners struck me as being confident, well researched and offered solutions as well as opinions.
“It’s important that we listen to them, take their suggestions on board and make positive changes to the way we do things.”