West Midlands Police on hunt for new Youth Commissioners

Young people in the region are once again being given the chance to become West Midlands Youth Commissioners, and work with West Midlands Police to highlight important issues that affect young people and work to improve them.

There is to be an election for sixteen new Youth Commissioners in the West Midlands, voted for by their peers and will represent them over a 2 year term.

What are Youth Commissioners?

The Youth Commissioners must be aged between 14 and 18, and their job is to advise the Police and Crime Commissioner on issues affecting children and teenagers.

As well as speaking directly to the PCC the unpaid Youth Commissioners will liaise with police officers and decision makers about crime, justice and victim services.

They will also be asked to challenge the force when it fails to live up to expectations.

“The sixteen elected Youth Commissioners will have a really important job”, explained David Jamieson, the current West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.

“It is their responsibility to keep me up to speed with the views, concerns and worries of young people.

“I rely on these Commissioners to tell me when problems emerge so I can ensure something is done.

“They are my eyes and ears on the ground and play a crucial role in keeping everyone safe.”

Connor Fowler has been a Youth Commissioner for the last two years, he said: “My time as a Youth Commissioner has been invaluable.

“It is great to be the voice in your community that represents other young people.

“I’ve presented in front of the PCC and Chief Constable, been on regional TV and have had hundreds of conversations with people of my age.

“The role really empowers young people to challenge our police service and to stand up to those around them.

Youth Commissioners will be asked to consult young people on the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan, liaise with other teenagers and children and build relationships with the police.

Nominations

Nominations for candidates opens on September 3rd 2018.

People will then have two weeks to vote for their chosen candidate online and in person with the voting period starting on 2nd October and closing on 16th October.

The results will be declared on 17th October.

Each Neighbourhood Policing Unit will have two elected Youth Commissioners serving two year terms.

Schools and youth clubs will help promote the elections.

How to apply

If anyone wants to be a Youth Commissioner and they are aged under 18, then they can fill out a form on the PCC’s website before submitting it.

Election Timetable

• Nominations for candidates opens on September 3rd and closes on September 28th.
• The two week election starts on 2nd October and closes on 16th October.
• Election results will be announced on 17th October.

There will be two Youth Commissioners for each of the following policing units:

Birmingham West
Birmingham East
Sandwell
Coventry
Dudley
Solihull
Wolverhampton
Walsall