Here’s what Srilakshmi had to say about her role:
YPCCs serve a two-year term, providing crucial youth insight into the world of policing, especially surrounding youth issues. We ensure that the voices and opinions of our areas are heard, and action is taken to make the relationship between the youth and the police force as effective and transparent as possible. In my time in the role, I’ve had a number of very exciting opportunities, including taking part in a foot patrol of the German Market and meeting the PCC, Simon Foster. It has been fascinating to gain an insight into the workings of active policing, and I would encourage any young people interested in this area to take part in the numerous opportunities available to them, such as focus groups and Youth Advisory Groups.
Most recently, I was fortunate enough to take part in the annual Youth Summit, an event which brought together youth organisations from around the West Midlands. The theme of this year’s event was Safe Spaces, and we were lucky to hear from professional boxer Tori-Ellis Willetts, who gave an inspiring address on the role of sports in providing safe spaces for young people. Especially in the light of the devastating budget cuts to youth services, this year’s theme felt more relevant than ever, and I look forward to continuing my work in this role, gaining fascinating knowledge of the policing system and allowing youth voice in my area the platform it deserves.
Srilakshmi (Upper Fifth)
