TEEN bobbies will experience the full force of the law when they step inside a pretend court room and learn fingerprinting techniques at Teesside University.

Police cadets from Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria forces will take part in workshops at the crime scene house and realistic court room on the campus.

The sessions will include fingerprinting, footwear analysis, custody office procedure and interviews.

It will end with a fictitious court case when the 13 to 17-year-olds will watch a pretend trial and get a glimpse of what it is like to sit on a jury.

The day will be opened by Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Jacqui Cheer and Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Barry Coppinger.

Mrs Cheer said: “The day has been designed to take into account the knowledge police cadets already possess and focuses on enabling them to learn and practice a range of policing skills and techniques.

Mr Coppinger added: “This is a great platform to give these young people an insight into the practical skills required by a police officer and a chance for them to develop their self-confidence.”

Dr Mark Simpson, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Business & Law, at Teesside University in Middlesbrough, said it was launching its BSc (Hons) Policing degree later this year.

“We are delighted to welcome the cadets on to our campus and give them a realistic experience of crime scene investigations and court room procedures,” he added.

“Hopefully it will motivate them to study here and go on to have great careers in the police force.”