It’s been a tedious, pedantic year, but productive nonetheless, for members of Redbridge Police Youth Panel. The panel was established last November following the summer riots, and aspired to help break down barriers between the youth and the Met Police in response to the disastrous events.


The panel consists of an array of students from years 10 to 13. The police warmly welcomed these young people into their own quarters, with regular meetings taking place at Barkingside Police Station. Their advice is valued, with the discussion of topical policing issues aiding the development of police services to become more “pro-youth”.


It is the first youth panel devoted to improving relationships between young people and the police, which is an achievement within itself. The panel has been commended by the Borough Commander, Superintendant Sue Williams, who congratulated them on their hard work and dedication.


Amongst the most dedicated, Nathaniel Boalch, the elected chair of the youth panel, had a few things to say about the panel’s first year in action...

So, how did the panel first get set up?
I was asked by my head of year to represent my school. To be honest, I wasn’t overly optimistic about the whole thing, but it’s been awesome. The first few meetings were a bit awkward; we were in a room full of young people who had never seen nor spoken to one another before. As time progressed, so did the group. The whole thing could have easily crashed and burned, but I’m really pleased how far we’ve come.


What are Redbridge Police Youth Panel’s main aims?
RPYP's main aims are to improve the relationship between the police and young people as well as portraying the youth in a more positive light.


What have been the highlights of your year as chair of the panel?
The best thing probably has to be meeting a whole new load of people. It’s really interesting to hear what other students from across the borough have to say about their experiences with the police. My school [Loxford High School] is like a bubble; it was nice to break that bubble for once and receive and share information from across the borough.


What are your immediate aims?
My immediate aims as chair are to increase the profile of RPYP which we're doing over the coming months, so that the panel continues to succeed in its aims once I have left for university.


Do you feel that the work you have done as a panel has been effective up to this point?
I think it has. We've shown the police we want to help, and we have given them an insight into our views on things like stop and search, which are being acknowledged and addressed. Also as the first police panel in London we have set the agenda for policing across the Met, hopefully creation of other youth panels.


It is needless to say that the panel has built secure foundations in which future students can build upon to make Redbridge, as a society, safer and more secure. The panel are also organising a community day this coming February, along with many other activities; for further details on the panel’s work, follow @RedbridgePYP.