Teens on the Elevated Aspirations programme visiting Kent Police
Twenty teens from South London got a taste of life as a cop this month, thanks to a new internship programme run by the Metropolitan Police.
The ‘Elevated Aspirations’ scheme aims to inspire young people from under-represented communities to join the police force and learn from top black professionals in the criminal justice field.
The Met Police launched the Elevated Aspirations programme
The interns had a chance to explore different aspects of policing, from firearms and forensics to the 999 call centre that handles major events like the Coronation.
They also visited North Kent police station, where they met the Armed Response team and tried on some of their gear. They also toured the custody suite and the support staff offices.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Talboys gave them a talk on Positive Action, a project that promotes diversity and inclusion in Kent Police.
The students graduated from the programme on Friday 21 July, after gaining valuable skills and insights into policing.
Chief Superintendent Shaun White, who welcomed the interns to Kent, said: ‘We are proud to support the Elevated Aspirations programme, which creates opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds.
‘We hope they will consider a career in policing, whether in Kent, London, or elsewhere. They have shown great potential and enthusiasm, and we wish them all the best for their future.
‘To anyone who wants to join the police, we welcome you with open arms. To the Elevated Aspirations graduates, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Don’t let anything stop you from pursuing your dreams.’