On Wednesday 2nd November our Fourth and Fifth Form girls were lucky enough to spend the day at Hammersmith Police Station (British Transport Police -BTP).
This day was set up as part of a new initiative, set up by Superintendent Lisa Garret, with the aim of encouraging women to join the Police Service and to improve equality across British policing. The girls were treated to an action-packed day that gave a wonderful insight into the careers of serving policemen and women.
Firstly they were given a talk by a police sergeant in the BTP about the workings of a police station and the role of officers in policing the UK’s transport networks, specifically the railways. The pupils were also able to see displays from specialist units such as a Dog Unit, who had a Labrador called Dino, which was highly trained in locating explosives. Pupils met members of the Specialist Response Unit (trained in extracting casualties and fatalities from the railways), the Civil Protection Unit (counter terrorism and chemical response team) and had interactive talks about their roles and specialist equipment. The girls were part of a custody experience and were able to see an arrest scenario. Pupils were also offered a mentor if they were to decide to follow a career in the police service and were encouraged to join the Youth Independent Advisory Group, which helps to improve policing by the BTP.
A really exciting and inspirational day was had by all.