Wiltshire’s newest ‘mini police’ were visited by officers from Wiltshire Police Force on Tuesday. 

The mini police, set up by Wiltshire Police and St Bartholomew’s Primary Academy in Royal Wootton Bassett, is a new scheme aimed to help young people understand crime prevention and what the different roles in the police force do.

But becoming one of Wiltshire’s smallest officers isn’t easy, as children from the primary school were put through a series of tests and trials in order to be selected.

This included challenges that tested their numeracy skills, logical thinking, problem-solving and fitness. Of those who took the tests, 18 pupils from Years 5 and 6 were selected.

Inspector Gareth Edwards, from Wiltshire Police  said: "I think it’s great. This scheme allows children to engage and support the local police by using the skills they will be learning.

"Their most important role will be helping people."

Wiltshire’s newly selected pint-sized officers were paid a visit by Insp Edwards himself at their attestation assembly, along with chief officer Mark Hopkins, sergeant Kate Smith and PCSO Kelly Hiller.

Royal Wootton Bassett’s mayor, Coun Eve Sylvester, was also in attendance as the new recruits collected their uniforms and said their promise in front of their school, officers, parents and carers.

Swindon Advertiser: The 'mini police' officers were awarded their uniforms in an attestation assembly.The 'mini police' officers were awarded their uniforms in an attestation assembly. (Image: St Bartholomew's Primary Academy)

“We are really excited to be involved in this project,” said Daniel Oakes, headteacher at St Bartholomew’s Primary Academy.

“As a school, it is important to us that our children have a strong moral compass underpinned by a core set of Christian Values.

“The mini police project enables them to learn a variety of ways to make a positive contribution to their local community and to be role models to those around them."

The mayor said she was also thrilled to be invited to the event, and she acknowledged the fantastic link that the mini police will create between young people, police and the local community.

From now on, St Bartholomew’s Primary Academy staff will work with PCSO Kelly Hiller to deliver a range of sessions including meeting the Police Dogs and Speed Enforcement team.

The Mini police will also work with Wiltshire Police to gain an understanding of community issues, such as anti-social behaviour and road safety.

The little officers will then be able to deliver assemblies and share what they have learned with the whole school.