Child mini Cheshire Police officers thanked with Warrington Wolves day

Mini Police officers from schools across Warrington visited the home of Warrington Wolves for a day of activity as a reward for all the work they have done to help fight crime in the town.

The initiative sees them take part in activities assisting the community by working with officers throughout the school year, helping to deliver important messaging about road safety, littering and vandalism.

The initiative is funded by the police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, from money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Around 100 young residents visited the Halliwell Jones Stadium as the rugby club opened its doors to make their day.

Led by Warrington Wolves Community Foundation, pupils enjoyed a tour of the stadium, got to meet PC Panda and members of the Wolves squad, and were put to the test in several sporting activities, designed to develop their teambuilding and communication skills.

Children also learned how the foundation works within the area through community engagement and bringing people from all backgrounds in the town together through the power of sport.

Cheshire Police officers with the mini police team at the Haliwell Jones Stadium

This ties in to the community work they have been getting involved with as part of mini police.

Established in 2005, the foundation is committed to ‘being the change’ in Warrington, promoting inclusivity, well-being, and empowerment.

These are all aspects of a harmonious community that Cheshire Police says it shares and promotes, through its work with its partner organisations like The Wire.

Senior officers joined the mini police during the session, speaking to the pupils about their roles within the force and how they keep the area safe, as well listening to children's own stories and experiences as part of the mini police initiative.

DCC Chris Armitt said: "I would like to thank Warrington Wolves Community Foundation and everyone at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, who hosted our mini police and ensured they had a brilliant time.

"Our mini police should be very proud for how well they represented the force during the day of activities, which formed a part of the ongoing proactive community outreach initiative between Cheshire Police and Warrington Wolves.

"It is so important that young people feel that can come to police with any issues and know that we will do all we can to support them, which is why events such as these are crucial in building the bridges between them and our officers.

Mini police officers speak to DCC Armitt

"The mini police is a really special project that demonstrates our efforts in improving youth and community engagement across the town.

“This scheme allows children to play an active role in keeping their communities safe and be proud of what they can achieve."

Superintendent Adam Ross, area Commander for Warrington, added: “The ongoing work our Warrington officers are doing alongside Wolves helps to create real positive change within our town, making it a safer place for everyone.

“The key to positive and safe communities is a strong relationship between residents and their policing teams, and the mini police project has opened up the opportunity for some of our youngest residents to engage with everyone who calls Warrington home and be proud of where they live.

"It has ultimately made a difference to those who are part of this community.”

Peter Astley, rugby league community development officer, commented: "We are delighted that our police colleagues recognise the potential for us working in partnership to help support our communities, and were very happy to support this mini police event at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

"It was great to see the mini police having such a fantastic time. They are a credit to their schools and the dedicated officers from Cheshire Police who support them."