Kent: Youth Commissioner's Year Ahead

Kent's new Youth Police and Crime Commissioner, Kerry Boyd, has set out her aspirations for the year ahead.

The 19-year-old from Margate joined the Commissioner’s Office part-time on the 4th March and has spent the first month on a taster induction programme learning about the work of Kent Police and the role of the Commissioner. She started the role full-time as of the 1st April.

Her plans for 2014 will include:

• Going out and about around the county as part of a bi-weekly community bus tour to find out the views and opinions of young people on policing. Kerry will meet young people in youth clubs, at events, by visiting youth charities and lots more.

• Kerry will ensure that young people’s opinions are reflected in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan that sets out the vision for policing in Kent, providing advice and guidance. Kerry will make sure that the policing needs of young people are being met by feeding back priorities to the Commissioner.

• Driving a Primary School educational programme with Police Community Support Officers. Kerry will talk to children about a range of educational matters including keeping safe online as well as the dangers of drugs, knife crime and other safety matters.

• Working with the police, private sector and community partners the Youth Commissioner will be delivering initiatives targeting 11-16 years old, with an emphasis on staying safe and having fun, while at the same time building the relationship between the police and their partners.

Commenting on the year ahead, Kerry Boyd, Youth Commissioner said: "There’s been so much stuff to take in but I’m really enjoying it. I’ve learnt a lot so far and now I’m ready to launch our plans for this year. The best way for me to do my job is by getting out there to listen and to take people’s views on board to improve the policing service for the young people of Kent."

Ann Barnes, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner said: "We have to remember Kerry is a junior member of staff, it’s incredibly hard at that age to come into an adult work environment. Now she has had some time to get to grips with everything, Kerry will be rolling out a number of activities to help bridge that gap between the police and young people."