Young Explorers Awarded for Dedication to Force

Saturday, 7 July, 2012

Intrepid young explorers who have experienced the work of West Yorkshire Police have been rewarded for their hard work and dedication.

Around 140 youngsters aged 16-18 took part in this year’s Explorer Programme which aims to inspire young people and give them an exciting, behind-the-scenes look into 21st Century policing. They have also been volunteering with their local neighbourhood policing teams.

This year’s intake attended an awards night at the Force Training School, Wakefield on Wednesday (July 4th) where their achievements over the past five months were celebrated.

One Explorer from each division was awarded the 'Explorer of the Year Award' and one of these was selected as 'West Yorkshire Police Overall Explorer of the Year' the recipients are as follows;

Bradford - Chloe Nash
Calderdale - Chloe Richmond
City and Holbeck - Karl Hardcastle
Kirklees - Rebecca Nixon
North East Leeds - Santa Sangar
North West Leeds - Scott Black
Wakefield - Lauren Thompson

Overall West Yorkshire Police Explorer of the Year - Lauren Thompson (pictured above)

The winners were presented with a Trophy by Chief Constable, Sir Norman Bettison.  The 25-week scheme, which started in February, saw teenagers spending two hours on one evening per week at their local police station.  Each week, they learnt about different aspects of the Force such as Counter Terrorism Unit, Scientific Support, Operations Support and weapons awareness.

Inputs were also given from Witness Protection, Crime Prevention and First Aid, as well as trips to the Fire Service and the Magistrates Court and they spent time assisting their neighbourhood policing teams with community policing initiatives.

Chief Constable, Sir Norman Bettison said: “The Explorer Programme is an excellent initiative which gives young people the chance to shine in theie communities. My congratulations go out to all of the Explorers that took part in this year’s programme and I am looking forward to seeing some of them assisting the Force on open days and other Force events in the coming months.

“This is the fourth year that the Explorer Programme has been running and once again, these young people have shown dedication and professionalism during their time here and I’d like to thank them all for taking part. I may see some of them joining the Service in the future and who knows one of them might be Chief Constable one day!”