Blankenhagen School recently welcomed Cpl Darren Butler from 114 Provost Company, Royal Military Police based at Princess Royal Barracks to help with their ‘People who help us’ topic.

Over the last few weeks, the children of FS1 (Foundation stage 1) have been visited by members of the local community to discuss their jobs.  Today was the turn of the Military police to show the children some of the tools they use in their daily work.

Amanda Worton, Foundation Stage manager felt this type of visit was important, ‘In our community the children who go onto camp don’t see a policeman in a conventional uniform.  So it’s important to point out what a military policeman looks like.  If they ever get lost or find themselves in some sort of trouble they would then know who they could trust, has a friendly face and can be approached’.

These visits have given the young children the opportunity to ask questions and meet people they wouldn’t normally get to see.

The children were shown some of the RMP’s tools of the trade including a bullet proof vest, handcuffs, baton and a fully kitted out incident van.  These were greeted with interest and amusement as they were given a chance to try the vest and cuffs before investigating the van.

Cpl Butler visits SCE schools as crime prevention officer on a regular basis and sees this kind of event key to the welfare of the military communities’ children and to highlight the need to gain trust in the Military police.  ‘We need to nurture a trusting relationship between the Garrisons’ children and the RMP.  They need to know we are always there to talk if they’re in trouble.  Also to be aware that if they see someone with a red beret, an RMP badge on their arm or wears the belt they saw today they can approach us and talk anytime’.