Dozens of Police Youth Volunteers (PYVs) have been welcomed into the #TeamSWP family during the first PYV Attestation Ceremony to be held for four years.
The young people and their families, from across South Wales, were greeted by the Mounted Section, Halberdiers, and the South Wales Police Band at last week’s Margam Orangery event.
Assistant Chief Constable Danny Richards and Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael both addressed the PYVs and their guests.
Welcoming the PYVs, ACC Richards told them:
“At its core, the Police Youth Volunteer scheme is a simple concept. It aims to encourage 14 to 18-year-olds to be good citizens by volunteering in their communities, learning about policing and by giving young people a chance to be heard. It’s a simple concept but it has transformational effects.
“It transforms the young people involved. They learn new skills, gain confidence, and are exposed to unique opportunities. It transforms our PYV leaders as they engage with and learn from the perspectives of our young people who inspire and challenge them. It transforms our communities as they become safer and more cohesive places to live.”
He later added:
“It was a privilege to formally welcome our PYVs to South Wales Police. It was a fantastic evening and a fitting way to recognise the contribution which these young people make to their communities.”
The Police Youth Volunteer scheme is open to young people aged between 14 and 18. It is not about recruiting police officers, but aims to develop a sense of good citizenship in young people.
