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YOUTH MEETING SETS COURSE FOR FUTURE LINKS

Kent Police is hoping for closer links with the area’s young people by working with the Shepway Youth Forum.

At a SYF Meeting on recently Chief Inspector Paul Wilczek told the members he took their views seriously.

�Young people are important members of our society, but unfortunately they tend to be blamed by older generations for most of society’s problems.

“We know it is only a small proportion of young people who are involved in crime and anti-social behaviour and many young people have their own fears about crime, and ideas about how to tackle it.

“It is important that people like me, and other decision makers in Shepway, encourage young people to speak up, and then listen to what they have to say�.

Members of SYF were asked to consider a number of policing scenarios to get them thinking and debating and then had the opportunity to ask Chief Inspector Wilczek any questions.

They raised a number of issues including the provision of facilities for young people and the way police deal with young people.

Chief Inspector Wilczek said: “It is clear these young people are passionate about their local area and feel strongly about issues that affect them.

“I was impressed with the enthusiasm shown and hope this is the first of what I hope will become regular meetings between them and Kent Police.�

Tamasin Jarrett, Shepway Council’s Youth Engagement Officer, said: “This was a successful session for the Forum and was another opportunity for young people of the Forum to put forward their views, which they did very well. I think the group is moving forward positively in representing the wider views of young people in Shepway.�