PUPILS from Bala had the chance to investigate behind the scenes of their local police station.

As part of their life skills course at Ysgol y Berwyn they were given a VIP guided tour of Bala Police Station by the north Wales deputy police and crime commissioner Julian Sandham, and south Gwynedd policing team sergeant, Iwan Jones.

At the end of the visit, during which they fired questions at their hosts on a range of topics from police budgets to high-speed pursuits, at least two of the young visitors from Year 10 said they were considering a career in the force as a result of their insight into the job.

The visit was arranged by Mr Sandham in conjunction with Pat Astbury, vice-chair of the North Wales Police and Crime Panel who has connections with the school.

Welcoming them to the station, Sgt Jones described its operation and manning levels before showing them over the front counter where members of the public have direct contact with officers.

He told them it was a good example of a smaller community station and integral to the North Wales force’s neighbourhood policing strategy.

The visitors were then taken through the process of arrests, with Sgt Jones explaining the importance of prisoners’ human rights being respected at all times.

However, he said: “If we can deal with someone without actually arresting them, that’s the route we prefer to go down these days.”

Mr Sandham explained that after retiring with the rank of chief superintendent after over 30 years with the north Wales force he had successfully applied for his current role.

He said: “My previous experience as a police officer gives me a good understanding of how the force operates and is a big advantage as deputy commissioner.”

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