Safe on the streets a priority for Youth Commission this year

Members of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Youth Commission (YC) are to focus on being safe and feeling safe on the streets following their annual Recommendations Conference.

The event in Winchester on 3 February 2024 brought together senior police officers and partner organisations including local authorities, education and charities to hear about the work of the YC members in representing the voices of young people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The Youth Commission is made up of 14-25 year olds enabling young people to have their say on crime and policing issues that matter most to them. All YC members have a strong passion for social and criminal justice. They get to make change, influence policy and decision makers, and have a positive impact on how young people interact with the police.

PCC Donna Jones said: “I want to improve the lives of all young people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. A big part of that is their experience of crime and their interaction with the police and other agencies.

“Young people often have really strong views on how the police can keep our communities safe, so the Youth Commission enables these views and voices to be heard and taken into account. I act as the bridge between young people and the police, making sure their views are represented.”

Each year via The Big Conversation, the Youth Commission speaks to young people across the two counties to get their concerns and ideas. These are then collated and presented at the YC’s Recommendations Conference.

In 2023, they focused on improving relationships with the police, domestic abuse, and safe on the streets. With over 900 responses, recommendations include increased police patrols particularly at night, more awareness among professionals that children are victims of domestic abuse too, and building better relations with the police through informal meetings.

For 2024, the YC will focus on being safe on the streets. Three more priorities will be put to consultation with peers via this year’s Big Conversation and the top concern will be the focus for 2025.

PCC Donna Jones added: “Everyone has the right to feel safe on our streets, and these young people are working extremely hard with passion and purpose to create positive change. I’m really grateful for all the work they do to inform, challenge and support me in my role as Police and Crime Commissioner.

“My message is clear to all the young people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You have a voice and we want to hear it.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable Rob France attended: “It was great to be part of an event recognising the fantastic work of young people from across the two counties. I was hugely impressed with their energy, dedication and sense of public service.

“The Constabulary is committed to delivering excellent local policing, and that can only happen by listening to and engaging with our communities. The voices of these young people are a vital part of that ongoing engagement and their contribution is extremely valuable.”

This month’s event marked the 10 year celebration of the YC. In that time, members have focused on a range of priorities from healthy relationships and substance misuse to knife crime and serious violence.

Applications are currently open to join the Youth Commission. If you’re aged 14-25 and would like to get involved, visit the PCC’s website at Youth Commission – Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner (hampshire-pcc.gov.uk). Applications close on 1 March 2024.