Horsham Police welcome cadets

Dan Griffiths and Joe Carey, from Horsham, will spend the day with staff before heading to Sussex Police HQ to meet assistant chief constable (ACC) Nick Wilkinson.

The day, which is part of the national Children’s Commissioner Takeover Day initiative, aims to highlight the contribution to society made by children and young people.

The cadets will be joined by others from Hastings, Adur and Worthing.

They have already joined deputy chief constable Giles York as he led the Remembrance Day ceremony with officers and staff at police head quarters in Lewes.

The teenagers will also be tweeting live during a focus group. You can follow them on Twitter using #CadetTakeover and @Sussex_Police.

ACC Nick Wilkinson said: “Sussex Police is always looking for new ways to involve and engage with young people and social media is a great, interactive and fun way for them to do just that.

“As the ACPO south-east representative for the group for children and young people, I want young people in Sussex to feel connected to their local communities.

“For the past two years I have been involved in the initiative and feel passionate about the message it sends to young people and children: you have a voice and we are listening. It is important we make the most of our talented and skilled young people and to give them the opportunity to actively learn about the working world.

“It is vital we continue to build strong relationships with the children and young people of Sussex and encourage them to get involved.

“Young people should be able to express their views and make a positive contribution to the places where they live, seeing first-hand what goes on behind the scenes in their local communities and to learn about what is involved in making the decisions affecting their lives.”

An estimated 50,000 children and young people around the country will be taking part today in the Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover.