Matthew Ellis, Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, debated a wide range of issues with young people from across the county on Saturday.
Staffordshire Youth Action Kouncil (YAK) quizzed the Commissioner on his role and subjects including knife crime and violence, youth PCCs and police engagement with young people.
The YAK draws its members from each local area in Staffordshire and is the official young persons’ advisory board to Staffordshire County Council.
Mr Ellis said: “It’s crucial to develop a good relationship with young people so we can understand their point of view of what a sense of being safer and having an effective criminal justice system is like.
“The police Cadets scheme has already made a difference to the lives of over 100 teenagers in the 18 months since we launched it, with many of them from challenging backgrounds.
“We are working to build a much greater connection between police and local people – including youngsters – across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
“I’m keen to work with the Youth Action Kouncil more on engaging with young people, including understanding how we can involve those who are disaffected.”
