1:00am Friday 3rd July 2009
By Gina Marden
PUPILS learnt about the long arm of the law when they reported for duty at their local police station.
Children from infant and junior schools across Wickford went to visit their local bobbies at the station in London Road, Wickford.
Officers gave the youngsters talks on road safety, the job of police dogs and the history of Essex Police.
The youngsters even got to test out how fast they could run, when officers used a speed gun to see how fast they could move as part of their lesson on staying safe on the roads.
Police also brought the mobile Essex Police museum to show them how bobbies have changed over the years.
For most of the pupils, the highlight of the day was trying police uniforms on for size.
They had their pictures taken, which were then used on souvenir certificates for the pupils to take away.
Sgt Jon DeVries of Wickford police, who organised the day, said he aimed to offer children a fun way to meet their local bobbies and learn about policing.
He said: “A lot of the children already know their local police community support officers, as they quite often visit the schools.
“This took it one step further, and showed the children police are friendly and there to help.
“The activities such as the speed indicator were great to deliver an underlying safety message in an engaging and exciting way.”
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