Lima Charlie

New Young Persons' Police Website

LimaCharlie.org is the Lancashire Constabulary's brand new website featuring a whole host of information solely for young people aged between seven and 16.

It encourages young people to communicate openly with police, providing them with an avenue where they can voice their views on issues that affect them.

On the site youngsters can take guided tours of vehicles, cells and police horse stables as well as get to know all about the equipment.  They can also read about particular roles within the constabulary in the jobs in the 'spotlight' section as well as finding out more about their local police officers. The site gives them the chance to catch up on the latest police news and get in touch with people involved.

There are also games, 'Get the facts' pages on all sorts of issues, and a competition to add an extra incentive to get involved. In the first competition super sleuths will have the chance to win a Nintendo DS and a Super Mario Kart game.

Acting Deputy Chief Constable Adrian McAllister says: "This is a very exciting new development for the Constabulary. The site aims to build on existing good relations between Lancashire Constabulary and young people, in turn providing a friendly and approachable face to the police."

"We are always happy to hear the views of younger people and want to know what they want from us. Previously this could only be done through classroom workshops and by stopping them in the streets. Children are not always forthcoming in those situations but the website gives them a forum to get their point across as well as learning more about us and what we do for them."

Another feature of the site is the "Schools in Focus" section which allows pupils and teachers to nominate their school to take part in a special educational program. The pupils are given four topics to research and write about.

They have the full force at their disposal and can interview anyone they like and visit almost any police department. They then produce articles on each of the subjects and work with designers to create their own newsletter which is put on the site for others to read and learn from. They also get the chance to conduct a video interview with an officer or member of police staff which is also put on the site.

Mr McAllister adds: "The involvement this programme creates is unlike anything pupils would get through normal lessons in the classroom. It gives them the opportunity to learn for themselves about the things they are interested in. They can take their investigations in any direction they like."

In the first newsletter students from Lancaster Girls Grammar School spent time with the helicopter unit and interviewed the CSI team. Other articles include a study of antisocial behaviour and reviews of internet sites.The website has been launched and is loaded with fascinating information for children to download and enjoy.  

To visit simply click onto http://www.LimaCharlie.org