THE next generation of Cleveland Police officers have started early with their learning.

The ‘mini police family’ initiative is an opportunity for children to meet police officers, learn about the law and participate in community engagement sessions.

School Liaison Officers and local neighbourhood officers will initially work with pupils from Year 5 at Frederick Nattrass Primary School in Norton, before rolling out the scheme further across Cleveland.

Chief Inspector Marc Anderson, from Stockton neighbourhood policing team, handed out uniforms to the youngsters. He said: “This is a great initiative for children to experience policing and see what we do. It helps us to better engage with our communities and gives children an insight into how police tackle issues and what our priorities are for the area.

“Similar schemes have already been introduced in other Force areas and so we look forward to progressing as they have by getting the children involved in as much as possible.”