POLICE officers stepped aside to let young people in Warwickshire enforce the law.
Pupils from from Campion, North Leamington and Myton schools were given the opportunity to take control of fictional scenarios similar to those the police deal with as part of Takeover Day. It is designed to put youngsters into decision-making positions and give them an insight into potential career opportunities.
The day at South Warwickshire Justice Centre in Leamington presented four scenarios including a terror threat at a football match where they had to explain the decisions they made as the investigation progressed.
The experience encouraged topical debate about terrorism and helped show how anyone, regardless of gender, age, race or religion could commit an act of terror.
A murder investigation and a talk from Barnardo’s about child sexual exploitation opened the eyes of the young people to the variety of situations the police deal with regularly.
They were also trained to use a hand held speed gun, and were given the opportunity to use it for real – pulling over a driver traveling at 42mph in a 30 zone.
PC Darren Lund said: “It was a varied day for the students involved. We covered a wide range of roles within the police and asked the students to take on elements of these jobs.
“They remained enthusiastic throughout the day and got involved with everything that we asked of them.”
