West Midlands crime chief launches youth commission

It follows the launch of youth commissions in Sussex, Hampshire and Leicestershire.

The new commission consists of 14 youth commissioners aged 13- to 20, who will work closely with West Midlands PCC Bob Jones.

In each local authority, two youth commissioners will represent the views of young people and aim to influence Jones’s priorities.

They will meet six times a year to report back on their work and consider their next steps.

The youth commissioners were elected by their peers following an event hosted by Jones in January, where young people said they wanted to be consulted on the issues affecting them.

Gabriel Dobrashian-Yates, who will represent young people from Birmingham, wants to break down barriers between his peers and police.

He said: “Young people and the police are both working for the same goals. However, we are not working as efficiently and as connected as we could.

“We are fighting the same problem but we are clashing against ourselves and see each other as enemies, rather than partners in reducing crime.

“If we can work together we can change society and change the future and outlook of many young people.”

PCC Jones said he was looking forward to working with the new youth commissioners.
“It is great to have young people involved who want to actively question, challenge and inform policing policy in their local area", he said.

“They will have a significant role in helping to build relationships and break down barriers that exist between the police, young people in the community.

“The youth commissioners will be going out to connect with others and will be active voices, able to express and represent the views of young people from their locality.”