Police train as youth workers

PC Paul Gray, PC Jeannine Waller and PCSS Paul Newman will all work in partnership with the council’s youth services on operations and in youth centres throughout the area.

Working in partnership, on operation’s Coverage and Staysafe, the council identified differences in the ways police officers, PCSO’s and council youth workers engage with young people.

Since completing the course PC Paul Gray and PCSS Paul Newman have arranged courses including Alcohol Awareness and have done work towards creating a safer community.

PC Paul Gray said: “This makes me more aware of the problems and issues faced by young people. The experience gained on the course will allow staff to better help and safeguard young people.”

PCSS Newman said: “I have done a lot of work with young people. Since attending this training my knowledge has increased and the experience I have gained has proved invaluable for my role.”

The training took a year and covered subjects such as identity, safeguarding, and active citizenship.

Christine Brodhurst-Brown, Rotherham Council’s head of integrated youth support services, said: “In order to deliver the best possible provision for young people in Rotherham all agencies need to work together effectively.”

“Our service values the contribution made by members of South Yorkshire Police in working with young people and particularly welcomes their involvement on our youth work training courses. These officers are blazing a trail in working with young people and should be congratulated on their achievement.”