On Saturday 28th January 2023, over 250 children became police officers for the day in an initiative run by Blackpool Police.
Operation Roleplay Day saw The Grange community centre in Blackpool turn into a police station, run by Blackpool Police Cadets.
Activities included dressing up as a police officer, working with a CSI team, taking fingerprints, and being put in a police cell. Children also had the chance to investigate crimes such as locating a stolen bike.
Local partners came along to support, such as Healthy Heads and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
This was part of the National Neighbourhood Policing Week, which works to highlight the work that Neighbourhood policing teams carry out daily.
PCSO Alison Williams, who created the operation, said: “It is a passion of ours to do community events like this.
“All of the children who attended were between four and 11 years old – it is important to build up that rapport and let them know that we are friendly faces from a young age.
“By engaging with young people like this, if they are ever victims of crime, they will have the confidence to report to us”.