The students are currently studying a unit of work looking at crime and its effects on society, so it was very beneficial for the students to develop their understanding and awareness on hate crime, both locally and nationally.

Year 13 student, Pete, who is studying the Level 3 BTEC Public Services course said, “Graeme Kirkup is an experienced police officer who worked within a lot of different units including the Diversity Unit in Plymouth, and who now works for the Crime Commissioner.  This gave us an insight into the importance of a Diversity Unit within the police force.   He explained what his role entailed, and the type of incidents he attended.  He also explained what made a hate crime and gave local examples.  For example, the murder of Terry Sweet, which took place within Plymouth’s Central Park, where a man was killed due to being gay.  This opened up the eyes of the whole class and how such serious hate crimes have taken place locally.  Everything Graeme discussed has really helped us with our current assignment, and has given us ideas on how the police prevent crimes, support communities and victims.”

Another student, Rhys, also shared his experience of the workshop, saying, “I found the workshop very interesting, as we learned about aspects of the police force that we had not heard of before.  For example the police Diversity Unit.  It was definitely an eye opener as to how the force is perceived on the news, as they don’t know first-hand what they are having to deal with, including hate crimes.  The talk has helped the whole class to see what the police deal with, what support they offer the community and how they can help to prevent crime.”