Herefordshire Cop Cards Winners Get Behind The Scenes View

Herefordshire Cop Cards winners and local policing staff. Back row from left: CSO Katie Middleton (Ross-on-Wye), CSO Carol Marsh (Ledbury), Katie Robinson, and CSO David Alexander (Ledbury Rural). Middle row: Jason Jenkins, Alicia Foxwell, Helena Lima, Emma Robinson, and Fraser MacLeod. Front row: Antony Jenkins and Ellie MacLeod.

Five children from Herefordshire have had a VIP visit to West Mercia Police headquarters this weekend as their prize for being the first children to collect all 25 of the force's Cop Cards.

The trading cards have proved to be a huge hit with local children since their launch in April. Many have now collected all 25 of the playing card-sized laminated cards, but only the first five in each of the five policing divisions were invited for a behind-the-scenes visit of Hindlip Hall outside Worcester.

The lucky five from Herefordshire were the first to present their completed set for checking at a local police station front counter or to a local community support officer.

In return, on Saturday (17 July), they were able to see their Cop Cards brought to life by visiting a number of operational policing departments - including the Dog Section, Roads Policing, Crime Scene Investigators and the Firearms School.

West Mercia Police hopes the cards, which are aimed at children aged seven to 14, are a fun way to for them get to know their local officers and CSOs as well as learning essential safety messages.

Each card carries a picture and description of a different policing role and a message to help children stay safe, ranging from internet safety to stranger danger.

Community Support Officer David Alexander from the Ledbury Rural team, who accompanied the winners from Herefordshire, said: "The day went very well and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The winners loved the prize and learned a lot about how West Mercia Police operates. They asked lots of questions of the many police officers and staff they met and even got to try on their uniforms.

"Cop Cards have been brilliant - some children are too shy to come and talk to the police and the cards really broke down a lot of barriers. When I visit schools I feel like the Pied Piper because I'm surrounded by children keen to get hold of the cards!

"The children have learned that we're here to help, not just deal with them if they have been naughty.  

"They've also proved popular with the parents, who are happy to see them build good relationships with their children. One mother said she had never been to a police station before visiting with her children to get the cards and now they see their local station in a new light."

Issued: Wednesday 21 July 2010