Young people across Wiltshire are calling for better police engagement and a more visible uniformed presence – with knife crime of the biggest concern.
The survey asked those aged between 11 and 22 for their views on policing, knife crime, mental health, social media, and police performance.
Six hundred people took part, and the results were presented to Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson and senior Wiltshire Police officers during a special event highlighting the work of the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Commission over the past year.
The initiative was run by Participation People, to give young people a voice in policing and crime prevention.
Among their top concerns was knife crime, alongside the need for improved communication and greater understanding between young people and police.
Charlie, a Youth Commission member, said they felt that the survey had been well received, with officers asking appropriate questions.
“I felt like the police officers wanted to engage with our presentation and they wanted a better understanding of what we’d put our efforts into,” they said.
“Now I want to see Wiltshire Police make changes based on recommendations and to keep us updated on the work they’re doing.”
Youth Commissioners led conversations around how police can use more accessible platforms and clearer language to engage with younger people across the county.
This had an impact on those at the presentation.
Philip Wilkinson, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I was hugely impressed with the clarity and confidence of our Youth Commissioners as they delivered a presentation which asked questions of us and led us to ask questions about how we could improve our performance.
“This presentation and these discussions are just the first step in the process. Now we need to ensure that further action is taken, and this important body of work isn’t ignored or put on the back burner.
“By communicating more with young people in Wiltshire and making our communication with young people better, it will help to make them feel safer.”
Ellie, another Youth Commissioner, said improved communication is vital in building trust, adding that the survey revealed a perception of fear among some of her peers.
“We know that crime rates are lower in Wiltshire and Swindon, but people don’t believe that, and the advertisement needs to be better,” she continued.
“That advertisement is centred towards the adults of the world who have a better understanding.
“Targeting that language towards the younger generations will help them understand what’s going on in life.”
Wiltshire Police said some of the suggestions made could be explored immediately, with Chief Superintendent Doug Downing, head of local policing at Wiltshire Police, planning to explore the platforms used by the force to engage with young people.
“There are also more deep-rooted issues where I’d like us to work more closely with the Youth Commission, and I’ll be taking steps to invite them to HQ so we can discuss,” he said.
“The Young Commissioners struck me as being confident, well-researched and offered solutions as well as opinions.
“It’s important that we listen to them, take their suggestions on board and make positive changes to the way we do things.”
