Youngsters are Pcso for a day

Last month PCSO Westgate went to Newton Primary School where two year six pupils, Luke Atherton and Ellie Morley, put on their uniforms and went on the beat with Carl within the school and on Tuesday Carl was on hand at Porthcawl Primary School to give two more year six students the chance to experience the work of their local PCSO when Morgan Carter and Hannah Robertson joined him on patrol.

PCSO Westgate said: “I am very pleased to be able to work closely with the staff and pupils at both schools. The PCSO for a Day initiative gives the pupils a chance to see just what we have to do as part of our day to day duties.

“To get selected as a PCSO for the day a number of factors are considered such as attendance, hard work, behaviour and contribution to the school’s activities over a period of time.

“We went on patrol within the school grounds, preparing a word profile, planning the route for our patrol around the school grounds and then patrolling the car park where we looked for any vulnerable cars with property left on display or doors left unlocked.”

Mr Nic Naish, Head Teacher at Newton Primary School said: “The children all loved the occasion. They got a little taste of real work and how a uniform can affect the way that people approach you. They also left the day with a better understanding of looking after possessions and property.”

Head Teacher of Porthcawl Primary School, Mr Andrew Wood, added: “We have been well supported by our local PCSOs; they are a real benefit to the community. It has been great for our pupils to get to know the people who are keeping their community safe. Being able to put a name to the face of their local neighbourhood police gives our pupils greater confidence and support when they see them on patrol in their own localities.

“Being PCSO for a day has been a great success and we have already had pupils asking what they have to do to get selected when we repeat this project.”