Hi °C | Lo °C Staff reporter
cteditorial@thect.co.uk
Police in north Belfast have been canvassing young people on their opinions following the completion of a project which allowed local youths to study diversity, anti-social behaviour and its affects, as well as policing in their local communities.
The Understanding Diversity project involved visits to minority communities, police establishments, and their own local areas.
During the year-long project, the teenagers initially looked at diversity at home with visits to the walls at Divis and Shankill.
The young people also took part in discussions with guides who facilitated the tour and visited the Sikh community and Jewish synagogue.
The highlight of the project saw the participants visit various landmarks in Poland, including a concentration camp and salt mines.
They also got to see the PSNI's pubic order equipment and roads policing unit during a trip to Antrim, as well as the dog section and personal safety programme unit.
The programme also saw the young people take part in role plays at Antrim Road station organised by Constables Michaels Rafferty and Constable Michael Gillies.
"The aim of this was to educate the participants on the affects of anti social behaviour, drugs awareness, police powers and procedures," said Neighbourhood police officers Constable Michael Rafferty and Constable Michael Gillies.
The young participants met at Fortwilliam Youth Centre last month and were given an opportunity to discuss their experiences, what they have learnt, and what they have enjoyed over the last few months. There was also an opportunity to ask any questions to PSNI officers, the youth leaders, and the youngsters.
"This was a worthwhile exercise for the participants and organisers alike. Following an extensive programme this was good to get constructive feedback from those taking part," said Constable Gillies and Constable Rafferty.
"We want to make all future interactions with young people meaningful and appropriate and the comments we received will help us shape all future projects.
"The Understanding Diversity Project proved a positive way of engaging with young people, enabling them to meet police officers from their area and each other in a friendly and informal environment."
