It was back to school for South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael on Monday, 19 December.

He attended Cardiff West High School along with Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan to present certificates to pupils involved in the SPARK project.

The SPARK project is an initiative led and developed by the South Wales Black Police Association.

It is a five-week program which engages with pupils from all parts of the community and encourages them to learn about their local police service. The project gives pupils a chance to enhance their communication, organisation and leadership skills.  During the course pupils have a unique opportunity to meet face to face with officers and staff who work in a variety of interesting roles, such as public service centre operators who take 999 calls. After they complete the SPARK course, pupils are encouraged to continue their development by joining South Wales Police Youth Volunteer, Princess Trust or St John’s Ambulance programs.

Marcia Gittens, Co-Chair of the South Wales BPA, said: “The SPARK project encourages dialogue and helps develop positive relationships between young people and the police that will hopefully stay with them through adolescence into adulthood.

“This can help to increase trust and confidence with individuals from our diverse communities, which in turn can increase the likelihood that some pupils may consider a career in the police service later in their life. Over time, this will help police forces truly represent the communities they service.”

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael, said: “It was a pleasure to be able to go to the school and meet the pupils who clearly enjoyed their experience.

“I would like to congratulate Sunita and Marcia and the South Wales Black Police Association, with whom we work very closely on a number of projects, on what is a very successful initiative which is helping to forge stronger relationship with community groups.”