Police puppies visit County Show

Trainee police puppies are among the attractions Devon and Cornwall Police will be bringing to Devon County Show this year to showcase the many ways in which the public can get involved in making their neighbourhood safer.

The theme of this year’s display is ‘Building Safer Communities Together’ and will offer advice on everything from joining the Special Constabulary and police cadets to getting involved in Neighbourhood Watch and the new Community Focus Panel.

The Force is sharing its marquee with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPPC) who will be encouraging the public to share its views on the policing service it receives. The public can also find police and OPCC within the BBC marquee at the show.

The Special Constabulary is actively recruiting this year and Specials will be available to talk about life within the volunteer force and how to join.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg has set out plans for the Force to significantly increase the number of Specials. Recruitment for this opens again in the autumn.

“I am very keen to take the opportunity to promote the vital work undertaken by Specials and volunteers in general.” said Mr Hogg. “There are major and obvious benefits of this for our rural communities, so it’s appropriate to highlight this at the Devon County Show.

“We are facing some tough financial decisions over the coming years and it’s therefore imperative that we look at how we can cost effectively maintain Devon and Cornwall as one of the safest areas in the country. Together with fresh thinking, we must do everything we can to encourage the public to play a fuller part in policing through volunteering.”

Police cadets will also be at the event on Saturday to chat to young people about life in the volunteer service for 13-18 year-olds. The cadets give youngsters a chance to make a real difference in their communities. They learn about law and police procedures and take part in a range of activities such as crime prevention, community days and royal events.

Police officers, Specials and police community support officers will be on hand at the show to offer advice about home and car security, personal safety and how to security mark your possessions.

Visitors can learn more about the first step towards setting up or joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

The Force hope to sign people up to its new Community Focus Panel, which enables local people to regularly give their views on aspects of policing in Devon and Cornwall via online surveys.

The public also have the chance to bid for their neighbourhood to benefit from the Community Payback Scheme where offenders complete local projects such as litter removal and repainting community buildings.

All youngsters visiting the stand will get their own taste of police life with the opportunity to try on uniforms and test out equipment, be fingerprinted and enter various competitions.

Police puppies and dogs are available at the marquee each day for a meet and greet opportunity for members of the public. Dog handlers are putting on a daily display in the Phil Greed Arena with fully trained police dogs.

The marquee will also feature an armed response police vehicle and give the public the chance to talk to trained firearms officers about their work.

Chief Superintendent of Local Policing for Devon, Paul Davies, said: “It is hugely valuable for us to be at the show. With thousands of visitors over the three days it offers a terrific opportunity for us to talk to local people about policing and to learn from them what is important to them in their local communities.”

Across two show sites the OPCC is raising awareness of its work and giving the public the chance to put questions to Mr Hogg.

They will be seeking views from the public on the service they receive from local police, the impact of alcohol on communities and nightlife, and Community Remedies, a process which would allow victims the choice to select an appropriate punishment for an offender involved in a low level crime.

Devon County Show takes place on 22, 23 and 24 May and the police and OPPC stand can be found in the CountryLife area.  You can also find the police and the OPCC in the BBC marquee in Avenue A.