Kingsbridge Community College students get valuable insight into policing

Year Ten students at Kingsbridge Community College stepped into the role of detectives recently as they took part in a unique police challenge event.

Delivered in partnership with Devon & Cornwall Police as part of the college's Discovery Challenge Week, the immersive experience saw students work alongside officers during a fictional investigation, learning how evidence is gathered, witnesses are interviewed and incidents are managed.

KCC students find out more about police investigations - credit Devon and Cornwall Police 

The scenario began with students responding to a simulated incident involving an injured person before progressing through the stages of a police investigation. As part of the exercise, the wider college community also took part in a planned lockdown practice, allowing students and staff to experience how schools and blue light services work together to keep people safe during an emergency.

Kingsbridge and Rural Neighbourhood Beat Manager, PC Sam McGregor, explained: “Working with schools in this way allows young people to gain a better understanding of modern policing and the important role we play within our communities. The students approached every aspect of the challenge with maturity and enthusiasm, and it was a pleasure to work alongside them throughout the day."

As well as providing a valuable learning opportunity for students, the exercise also supported police training and strengthened the partnership between the college and local emergency services.

Throughout the day, students developed problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills while gaining a greater understanding of the wide range of careers available within policing and public service.

Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said: "This was an incredibly valuable opportunity for our students to experience first-hand the professionalism, teamwork and decision making involved in policing. By taking part in a realistic but carefully managed scenario, they were able to develop important skills while gaining a much deeper understanding of the vital role our emergency services play in keeping communities safe.

"We are extremely grateful to our local police colleagues for giving their time and expertise to create such a memorable learning experience."

The event on 13 July was carefully planned and designed to provide a realistic insight into policing, community safety and the work of the emergency services. The day was fully risk assessed by both the college and Devon and Cornwall Police, with student wellbeing remaining a priority throughout.