A NEW initiative has been launched to gather young people’s views on policing and crime across the Cleveland force area.

Barry Coppinger, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, called into Stockton Sixth Form College to get the consultation process up and running.

Gathering students’ views on crime and their opinions on where efforts should be concentrated to tackle any issues raised is the latest stage in the ‘Your Force Your Voice’ consultation.

Mr Coppinger said: “Young people are the future of our communities so it’s important that their voices are heard. I want to find out their views on crime and what they think should be done to tackle their issues.

“The college is one of many that I will be visiting and I will be making contact with all colleges to discuss how young people can be represented through the work I do.”

Rachel Angus, the acting principal of the college, said: “We feel very strongly about our students playing a larger role in their local community and are thrilled to give them the chance to speak about issues which may affect young people.”