St Bartholomew's Mini Police

The Mini Police initiative is an exciting and engaging opportunity designed for children, organised by Mrs Diston and Mrs Holder in collaboration with Wiltshire Police and RWB council. This initiative not only builds a positive relationship between young participants and their local policing team but also encourages them to contribute to their school and community.

Aligned with the schools core values, the Mini Police program offers a range of activities throughout the academic year. St Bartholomew's Mini Police have the opportunity to interact with various Police departments, including the Fire Safety team, Speed Enforcement team and K9 Units, among others. Through these interactions, children gain valuable knowledge about important topics such as anti-social behaviour, road safety and the concept of positive citizenship. They are also given the opportunity to support school led initiatives, enhancing their sense of responsibility and community engagement.

Each June, year 4 students take part in a 'Mini Police recruitment drive'. during this event they engage in a series of challenges aimed at testing their mathematical and literacy skills, navigate an obstacle course and work as a team to solve a simulated crime. Class teachers, alongside the Mini Police leaders, evaluate the participants to select the most suitable candidates to become the next year's Mini Police officers.

The Mini Police initiative not only equips children with essential life skills but also a sense of belonging and commitment to their community.

The 2024-2025 Mini Police

A Year with the Mini Police

October 2024 - Making the Mini Police promise

On the 1st October the Mini Police made their promise in front of the Mayor, Town Clerk, Town Crier and Police Inspector.

The Town Crier rang his bell and introduced the important guests, he told the whole school about the Mini Police Attestation ceremony.

The Mini Police had to repeat their promise out loud and collect their uniform.

St Bartholomew's officially have their 2024-2025 Mini Police officers.

 October 2024 - Road Safety session

The Mini Police learnt about staying safe on roads and pavements.

November 2024 - The Mini Police were visited by the Speed Enforcement team.

The Mini Police learnt how the Police catch speeding drivers. The Mini Police ran races and had their own speeds measured by the speed camera.

November 2024 - The Mini Police were asked to be Guard of Honour at the opening of Manor House, RWB's new council offices.

When the Mini Police arrived at the New council offices they had their photos taken, they all said they felt nervous but very important. The Mini Police Officers were then asked to stand by the band and singers, in preparation of being the Guard of Honour. This location provided the Mini Police with a great opportunity to join in, karaoke style to the band and singer. ‘Sweet Caroline' was their  favourite song.

Two Mini Police officers were picked to help raise the flag.

Once the initial ceremony and ribbon cutting was over, the Mini Police had to form a guard of honour to allow the VIP’s and guests to walk into Manor house.

The Mini Police were all invited to enjoy refreshments and were given their own room to eat their cake and sandwiches in.

The Mini Police met some very important people and enjoyed representing St Bartholomew’s Primary Academy.

December 2024 - EYFS Road safety presentation

The Mini Police had lots of fun delivering a Road Safety presentation to EYFS. The Mini Police dressed up, sang and acted out a road safety song called ' Five little ducks'.

January 2025 - The Mini Police were visited by the Fire safety team

The aim of the session was to understand what arson means and its impact on the people or community affected.
We learnt that arson is a crime, and you would be tried in a Crown Court if suspected of committing it.
The Fire Safety team taught us about all the people involved in a court case and who helps decide the outcome.
Did you know anyone could be a juror as long as they have not been convicted of a crime?

During this exciting session, the Mini Police had to act out a court case, each Mini Police officer took on a court room role.

The Jury had to decide if the suspect was guilty of Arson after hearing all the evidence.

After the Jury had deliberated, the Judge lowered his Gavel and delivered his verdict.

'The Defendant is guilty of Arson, I sentence her to 25 years in prison'.

Our very own PCSO led the Defendant away, the Defendant was last seen in Maths!.

March 2025 – ASB walk- assessing the impact of ASB on the Community

The Mini Police completed an anti-social behaviour walk from St. Bartholomew's Primary Academy to Noremarsh Park. On the way, we noticed that most alleyways had graffiti on the fences and walls. We also saw graffiti on lampposts and bins.

We collected a large bag of rubbish while walking from the school to Noremarsh Park. The rubbish was in bushes and on the pavements.

While in the park, we asked some local residents how they felt about anti-social behaviour; one man said he feels sad when there is so much rubbish left on the ground.

March 2025 – Traffic Monitoring

On the 25th of March, the Mini Police patrolled The Rosary and noted any signs of anti-social behaviour (ASB). We spotted cars parked dangerously, obstructing other drivers' views of obstacles. We also observed pedestrians walking in the road and cyclists not looking before coming off the curb.

In June, we will meet in the Council chambers to discuss ways to make our community safer.