Pupils get a sneak peek behind the scenes at Gwent Police Headquarters

This week pupils from Nant Celyn Primary School in Torfaen were given a sneak peek behind the scenes at Gwent Police Headquarters in Llantarnam.

During the visit pupils met with officers and police staff from a wide range of departments and took part in a question-and-answer session with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent Jane Mudd and Chief Constable of Gwent Police Mark Hobrough.

The pupils, who are all members of the school’s Heddlu Bach group, had a peek inside the Force Control Room where they met the officers who respond to both 101 and 999 emergency calls. Officers talked to the group about the impact of hoax calls on emergency response and took questions from pupils.

Pupils were also excited to meet PD Ruby and her handler. PD Ruby is one of 20 police dogs working for Gwent Police and demonstrated her skills with a short display of scent work. The pupils enjoyed asking questions to find out more about the role police dogs play in keeping communities in Gwent safe.

The visit was planned following Safe Spaces session at the school. Safe Spaces sessions are run by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to help the Commissioner understand children’s perceptions of policing. The sessions are open to all primary schools in Gwent.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jane Mudd said: “When I was elected just over a year ago, I pledged my commitment to listen to the views of children and young people. Since then, I have enjoyed visiting many schools and events and I was extremely proud to welcome the Heddlu Bach pupils from Nant Celyn Primary to our wonderful headquarters.

“The children were fascinated to visit the building and see the wide range of departments and officers who work in partnership with our operational teams to keep our communities safe. I was pleased to be part of the question-and-answer session alongside the Chief Constable. The questions were thoughtful and well researched. I hope that the pupils are inspired and informed by the visit.”