Welcome to the Policing Family!

Primary school pupils across Lincolnshire are benefitting from an innovative new education programme, which will deliver key policing inputs, such as road safety, internet safety, crime reduction and Neighbourhood policing  in a fun, child-friendly way.

PCSO WarrilowPCSO Dean Warrilow, from Louth Neighbourhood Policing Team, devised the concept, using his artistic skills to draw the friendly police characters.

He said: “It all began with PC Mark Property.

“Each time we hosted a property marking session in Louth stores such as B & Q or Halfords, I displayed a sign featuring the character so customers knew at a glance why we were in the store and how we could help”.

PCSO Warrilow began drawing other characters and with input from local schools and Lincolnshire Police’s Community Safety department, the programme was developed, with elements tailored to suit all primary school children from Reception through to Key Stages 1 and 2.

The programme covers a number of sessions, each focusing on a different policing message.

PC Drivewell ‘s character delivers road safety messages,  teaching how to cross the road and the importance of seatbelts, child seats and cycle helmets.

The session involving PCSO Webb’s covers aspects to do with the internet and texting, teaching how to stay safe online.

PCSO Warrilow explained further: “For the very young children in Reception, PCSO Will Greetham’s character uses games and activities like colouring to introduce them to their local PCSOs and the role they do.

“ Older children can become involved in practical sessions including property marking and the programme can be used as a stand-alone package  or to complement other school liaison work, for example, the Junior PCSO Scheme and Bobby Bear Lessons in Pride.

“Through feedback from my NPT colleagues, education and the children, the programme is continuously being developed to expand new topics, such as Cycle safety and antisocial behaviour”.

Every Neighbourhood Policing Team in the county is able to deliver the programme and any school interested in finding out more should contact their local PCSO for further information.