Introduction

Increasingly emphasis is being put on our communities; especially the young people in our communities, to be positive and active citizens. Only recently the Government has pledged to create a “culture of respect” to tackle crime and disorder. (See competition below.)

The recent craze for wristbands cannot also go unnoticed; acting as a replacement for the ribbon as a mark of support for a cause or particular charity. Police forces in Northamptonshire and Scotland have already used wristbands as an effective way of raising awareness around issues such as Domestic Violence and Sectarianism.

The “Play Your Part” initiative therefore draws on the current Government drive for “social justice” and “respect” and the popularity of wristbands to encourage young people to think about how their behaviour impacts on others and to pledge to become positive people in their local community.

Aim

To promote positive and active citizenship amongst young people (aged 11-19) in Bristol to take responsibility for their actions and reduce their involvement in crime and antisocial behaviour.

Objectives

• 5000 young people aged 11-19 in Bristol to be aware of the “Play Your Part” campaign, its aims and objectives over the next 12 months
• At least 5000 young people aged 11-19 in Bristol to have signed the “Play Your Part” pledge over the next 12 months
• To achieve a 10% reduction in youth related crime and antisocial behaviour within Bristol district over the next 12 months

Working within the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Force Youth Strategy the “Play Your Part” initiative satisfies core objectives and measures for engaging with young people, Young people as victims and witnesses and pre-crime prevention.

Delivery:

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has numerous staff with involvement in secondary schools and youth projects across Bristol. Staff will be briefed as to the nature of this project and asked to deliver the work at school, summer youth activities and youth projects.

Young people will be asked to read a “pledge” about their role in society and the community, and a promise to be positive citizens. It is hoped that staff will also engage young people in further discussion as to what the “pledge” means and how young people’s behaviour can impact on others.

Upon reading the “pledge” young people will be asked to sign their name to say they agree and understand what they have read and what it involves. This will form a “petition” or larger document to show young people’s support for the initiative.

Young people will then receive their “Play Your Part” wristband and an information card with the “pledge” and other useful numbers. This can be kept for reference at a later date, and will remind young people what they have signed up to.

Each wristband will be embossed with the words “RESPECT” and “COURAGE”.

Are you going to Play Your Part?

Bristol Police are encouraging young people to be positive active citizens. We want to reduce the number of incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour in which young people are involved.

If you'd like to pledge your commitment to this initiative and receive a wristband to wear to show your support in making Bristol the safest city in the world, then tell us something positive that you've done. You can email your entry to karen.macdonald@avonandsomerset.police.uk or write to PC Karen MacDonald, Bristol Youth Inclusion Officer, Newfoundland Road Police Station, Bristol, BS2 9LU. Tel 0117 9529727. Please include your name, age, school and address.

"I will respect the rights and beliefs of other people. I will not hurt, cause damage or steal. I will have the courage to stand up for what is right".