A group of college students have learned how to prevent crime alongside Essex Police following a week-long work placement.

Pupils studying public services at New City College - Epping Forest campus, were given the responsibility to show the public different gadgets to promote crime prevention.

Officers at Essex Police commended the students on their professional behaviour, praising on how motivated and enthusiastic they were while working alongside them.

Police Sergeant John Berwick said: “Working with potential future officers demonstrated that the youth looking to join the public services are willing and capable of protecting our community for generations to come.

“The students’ ability to talk to a stranger showed that by being themselves, barriers are broken down and relationships are made, which includes the connection made with the community policing team who have gained form the experience also.”

A student who participated said: “At my work experience I was able to gain experience talking to the public.

“This experience allowed us to see what type of work the police do. I found that there is more to the police than just stopping crime, but a big part of it is preventing crime.”

New City College Epping Forest Campus will be holding an open evening for potential students this September on Tuesday, February 4.

Visit ncclondon.ac.uk to book your place.