More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Primary schoolchildren are learning about policing through a nine-week cadet course with local PCSOs.
Kent Police's Mini Police Cadet Programme aims at educating young people on various policing topics and involving them in team-building exercises and community projects.
Pupils at The Downs CE Primary School in Walmer started their course on September 28, led by Police Community Support Officer Anita Pollard.
There will be hour-long sessions every Tuesday.
Pupils from three schools in Dover, Priory Fields, Vale View Primary and St Martin's, started their course, run by PCSO Mark Ball, this week.
The eight to 11-year-olds donned tabards and baseball caps and were involved in discussions about codes of conduct, teamwork or mutual respect.
PCSO Pollard said: "The children were able to get to know me as a person, not just as an officer, which is something that young people can find intimidating.
"I will encourage them to discuss right and wrong."
"They hopefully found this reassuring and will have the confidence to talk to me when they see me out and about in their neighbourhood in future.
"I will educate them on crime and anti-social behaviour.
"I will talk to them about policing for example why we carry pocket books, the drills we undertake, officer ranks, first aid and cyber bullying.
"They will get the chance to visit a police station and I will also ensure they know how and when to contact the emergency services and encourage them to have open discussions about right and wrong.
"I hope that by the end of the course they will have a much better understanding of the police, will understand leadership, teamwork and may consider policing as a career when they are older."
The Mini Police Cadet programme was launched in Dartford in April and is to continue spreading across the county from this autumn.
It has been made available from funding from the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott.
Kent Police also run a cadets programme for young people aged 13 to 17.
For more information, visit the cadets section of the Kent Police website.
