Fourteen secondary school students joined the Hertfordshire Constabulary from across the county for their work experience week between Monday, July 1 to Friday, July 5.
For three years in a row the force has invited students aged 15 to 16 to experience the world of policing.
From batons to bleep tests, they were allowed to test the equipment and attempt the training that a police officer must endure.
In the Force Communications Room, students learnt how to respond to 999 and 101 calls as well as crime reports from the public.
PC Angelina Wade, who coordinated the week, wants to show students that this is not the only career in the force.
She said: “When young people consider a career in policing, they may automatically only think of officers in uniform responding to emergency calls.
“While this is obviously a big part of what we do there are a whole array of other interesting roles within the constabulary that many may not have even considered.”
The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, engaged the teenagers telling stories of high-profile murders they have solved and what it’s like to work alongside producers in the hit TV show 24 Hours in Police Custody.
They were also able participate in their own ‘search’ in a mocked up property.
One student said: "I like them and respect them a lot more now and it gave a friendly face and humanity to Herts police.”
Police vehicles also made an appearance as the students got the opportunity to get up close and personal to the National Police Air Services helicopter at its base in North Weald.
Parents praised the experience too, one sent an email which read: “Thank you for the fantastic work experience opportunity that you have provided this week.
“You have worked tirelessly to ensure the children get an interesting, educational and thoroughly enjoyable introduction to the police.”
For young people interested in a career in policing, Herts police suggests joining the police cadets, which is open to all those aged between 13 and 18.
You can find out more at herts.police.uk/police-forces/hertfordshire-constabulary/areas/careers/careers/police-support-volunteers/police-cadets/police-cadets.
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