POLICE students from Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, have been getting hands-on experience with trainee officers from Devon and Cornwall Police. 

The training day at Okehampton saw students on the FdSc in Police Studies taking part in mock exercises and practicing how to arrest a suspect. 

Lecturer in Public Services at Duchy College, Paul Coe, said: ‘Taking part in exercises such as this is an excellent taster for what these students could be doing, once they leave us and embark on their career.’

The group was also able to learn from former student WPC Lauren Hartley, who is now a trainee officer with Devon and Cornwall Police.

Paul added: ‘It was great to see Lauren and her experiences were really beneficial for the group, who took part in mock arrests as well as other role plays.  We aim to get our students involved in a number of these training scenarios every year as they provide invaluable experience for the students and police officers alike.’

The FdSc in Police Studies has been designed for anyone wishing to develop the specialised skills and knowledge which would enable them to prepare for entry and future careers in the Police Service, Military Police, the Criminal Justice System or private/commercial security services. The programme provides students with academic understanding and practical experience of the nature of policing together with in-depth analysis of the conflicts of a modern day society. 

Head of Health and Well Being across the Cornwall College Group Lisa Clarke said: ‘This was a great opportunity for our students to get hands on experience and to learn with local police officers. I’d like to say a massive thank you to all of those involved, especially to the trainers who accepted our students and immersed them fully into the experience.’