Streetwatch pins of honour awarded to Walsall College  

Protective services students and staff at Walsall College have been congratulated by West Midlands Police for their five years of support on a community patrol.

Since 2019, students have joined officers from St Matthew’s Police, Walsall on Streetwatch.  Each week, they have carried out patrols through the town centre and surrounding area, engaging with the public and helping to keep the area safe.

They received pin badges and certificate awards at the Streetwatch Awards at Tally Ho in Birmingham.

Lecturer, Richard Jones who attended the ceremony said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the college, our students and our local community.

“We all want the best for our town.  This includes helping people feel welcomed and supported as much as possible when they are out and about.

“The students have relished the opportunity to meet and build relationships with different people, positively influencing how others visit, work and socialise in the area.

“Their combined experiences have provided valuable insights into community engagement and cohesion, which they can carry forward into their future careers.”

Walsall College also received a Streetwatch Star Award in recognition of their support for public awareness-raising activities led by St Matthew’s Police relating to knife crime and shoplifting.

This includes participating in a County Lines Awareness Week which saw them speaking with young people and their parents about signs to look out for in others who might be at risk of, or involved in crime.

Police Community Officer, Rachel Gallier who nominated the college for the Streetwatch Star award said: “These student volunteers have been excellent role models over the last five years.  It’s been a pleasure to see them grow in confidence, improve their knowledge of the local area and help maintain community pride.

“My colleagues and I look forward to working with the students for many years to come.”