Bridgwater & Taunton College students in the 999 Academy have welcomed the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, Mark Shelford.

The 999 Academy is one of a number of extra-curricular opportunities at BTC. It supports students interested in public services lines of work and is a partnership between Avon and Somerset Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and the South Western Ambulance Service.

The students had the opportunity to ask Mr Shelford questions about his role, as well as his career path and journey to becoming the PCC for Avon and Somerset Police.

Uniformed Protective Services student Amelia Wright asked him about the police complaints procedure as it is a component of her main study programme, while Jude Harris wanted to know the PCC’s thoughts of the criminal justice system.

Students studying A level Sociology were also able to ask Mr Shelford questions about prison and the reform system.

Ruth Burrows, Course Leader of the Uniformed Protective Service Courses and Manager of the Bridgwater 999 Academy, said

It was an extremely valuable visit which the students will remember for a long time. We are hugely grateful to the PCC for taking time to visit our students. We hope Mr Shelford will be able to return again soon so that even more students across Bridgwater & Taunton College could benefit from meeting him.

For more information, visit the BTC Academies, Uniformed Protective Services courses and A Levels pages.