Pupils from Brynmenyn Primary School, Bridgend, recently visited South Wales Police to experience elements of police training first hand, and to compare how far training has come in the 50 years since the Force was established.
Officers offered the year six pupils a range of activities that highlighted what it takes to complete the initial police training programme at South Wales Police, and compared it to elements of policing from 50 years ago.
Pupils observed current recruits receiving their Officer Safety and Taser Training and had the opportunity to ask current recruits questions. They also took part in a fitness beep test and were able to try on police uniform and kit. They watched a demonstration with the police dogs and mounted section with the day rounded off with a tour of the South Wales Police Heritage Centre where they looked back at how officers were trained 50 years ago and beyond.
The school visit forms part of South Wales Police 50th Anniversary events to be held throughout 2019. In June 1969, the predecessor forces of Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Swansea, and Cardiff came together and a new force came into being. From that day, South Wales Police, or South Wales Constabulary as it was known initially, has grown to become one of the best performing forces in the country.
Chief Constable Matt Jukes said:
“Throughout 2019, we will be taking a good look back at the past five decades, celebrating our achievements over the years and each month focusing on a different theme. This month is learning and development. We hope our 50th will provide opportunities such as this for our communities to get involved, and to take a look behind the scenes at the work we do today.
South Wales Police has an extremely rich history and one we are proud to share with the communities we serve.”
Mrs Dale, Headteacher at Brynmenyn School said:
“Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed their visit to South Wales Police. As year 6 pupils with Secondary school around the corner it is good opportunity to get them thinking about their futures and career paths in a fun and creative way.
They particularly enjoyed their visit to the South Wales Police Heritage Centre and looking at how far policing and training has evolved in 50 years history and of course meeting Reuben the horse and Wilson the dog.”
