Southend: College students join Town Centre Team on patrol

#NeighbourhoodPolicingWeek

Students from South Essex College’s diploma in policing joined the Southend Town Centre Team (TCT) on patrol in the city to get a first-hand insight into life as a police officer.

The 22 students took part in a briefing with Sergeant James Mint where they suggested areas they had felt unsafe. They then divided into two teams to go on foot patrol with officers and run a deployment of the OpenGate weapons detection system.

On a freezing cold morning, the officers and students patrolled along the High Street, in Warrior Square, and along the alleyway off Short Street. The OpenGate was set up by Southend Central train station, beside the Odeon at the top of the High Street, and by the college off Queens Road.

Sgt Mint said linking up with the college is beneficial for both parties as the students get to see the realities of the life in the police and his team learn more about what it’s like to be teenager in the city.

“The college students are in the city centre all the time,” said Sgt Mint, “and people of that age are more likely to be victims of street robbery or violent offences, especially around the High Street and in the vicinity of the college.

“I wanted to include the students in the planning of the operation and decide where we were going to patrol. I explained the national decision-making model that we use for our briefings, and this was great for their understanding of policing.

“Not only are the students learning how we plan deployments but we’re also getting useful information from them about where they think we should be putting out resources. As teenagers, they’ve got a unique perspective.”

Policing course leader Lee McCarthy said: “It was great for the students to be out in the elements, dealing with the public, and working with experienced police officers.

“This will help the young people properly prepare for a career in policing as they get to see first-hand how the police interact with members of the public, get to know people and develop their knowledge of the local area.

“These students are the future of the police so it’s invaluable that the police and college have a great working relationship."

Student Oliver Holiday is planning to join the police after he graduates and said the operation had been a valuable experience.

“I learnt that having high visibility in the city centre helps makes people feel safer and helps reduce crime as people are less likely to commit crime if there’s a police presence.

“This morning has inspired me. It was really enjoyable.”

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