Project helps the police to engage with young people from ethnic minority communities - Dr Alan Billings

The young people who choose to take part – in their own time – complete courses at three different levels. They are often from disadvantaged backgrounds who must improve their attendance and behaviour as well as completing folders that demonstrate what they have learnt and achieved.

They also have an opportunity to make visits – to the courts, to see various police activities – the dogs and horses – and I usually meet some when they come to police force headquarters for presentations and lunch with the chief constable and myself.

There are rewards as well – such as trips arranged through our MPs to 10 Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament in London, and to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

But the highlight of the year is the Awards evening when they come with their parents and brothers and sisters to receive their certificates. This is always a glittering affair and I remember many memorable occasions at St Paul’s Hotel in Sheffield. This year it was held in the grand marquee at the Niagara Sports and Social Club. I am usually asked to say a few words and to present some of the certificates.

The student who does best in the Level 1 part of the project also wins a shield that is presented to the school in recognition of their achievement and the school’s support.

Each year I am astonished at how beautifully turned out the young people are. The girls with African or Caribbean heritage have vibrantly colourful dresses. The young Muslim women wear immaculate long dresses and hijabs. All the boys seem to have the smartest of suits.

It is a mark of how successful the Inspiring Youth Project is that this year, as in others, in addition to the chief constable and myself the High Sheriff and a number of Deputy Lieutenants and the Leader of Sheffield City Council, Councillor Tom Hunt, felt they had to be there on a Friday evening to support the young people. Lord Blunkett sent a video message of support from the House of Lords.

The evening ends with a buffet.

The Inspiring Youth Project has been running for 20 years this year – which in itself is quite an achievement. It depends on good will – the good will of the Special Constables and other volunteers who organise it, and the schools.

No other project known to me brings together the police and so many young people from so many different backgrounds. This year, of the 70 students who were present, 50 per cent were from African Caribbean communities and 25 per cent from Asian – with other communities represented in smaller numbers.

One day last week I spent a little time with two police officers who have central responsibility for the South Yorkshire police drones. I wanted to understand what the drone capabilities are and how they might contribute towards the better policing of our county.

A shortened version of the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire’s latest blog post.