Our Level 3 Protective Services learners were recently drafted in to assist Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Augustine. Sergeant Chris Adshead recruited our 16-17 year old learners to attempt to purchase alcohol from local shops to gather intel for ongoing monitoring.
The operation began with a whole group briefing, followed by individual briefings once learners had been placed within a team so they felt fully prepared – then the learners went out on the beat!
The budding officers were taken to multiple local shops while police officers stayed close by. Our learners bravely entered their target shop and ordered items such as alcohol, cigarettes, vapes and knives.
Learners were either illegally sold the contraband or correctly challenged for attempting to purchase these goods underage. Any contraband sold was immediately given to the officers stationed outside, who would then enter the shop to challenge the sale and issue a warning.
Roan, Level 3 Protective Services learner said:
“I think OP Augustine was amazing, catching out businesses, who were illegally selling goods to underage customers, was fun while also gaining work experience for my future career. I learnt a lot from this experience about how the police operate and manage these types of situations to stop it from happening again. Also, you have to sit in a briefing before the operation and a debrief after, this gave me an insight on what officers have to do everyday before going out into public and how they plan to carry out an operation. OP Augustine was the best work experience and is definitely worth it. ”
There was a very effective crack down on the sale of knives, alcohol and tobacco-based products within the local Hertfordshire area. Our learners are helping deter institutions from wrongfully using their licenses to sell contraband to vulnerable teenagers.
Sergeant Chris Adshead commented:
“The learners acted impeccably and were attentive and engaged throughout – and all were an absolute credit to themselves and the college.”
This industry experience links to both the Introduction to Criminology and Police Powers units within the Level 3 Protective Services course. Their role in Operation Augustine will help our learners explore why people commit crime and demonstrate the importance of policy and procedures when working with the police.
Adam, Protective Services tutor, added:
“OP Augustine was a great opportunity for our learners at North Hertfordshire College, it has given effective experience understanding how a police operation works first hand. This has helped students understand the opportunities available for them in their future careers. While also building up key professional behaviours and skills such as self-management, confidence and working collaboratively.”
If you are interested in protecting and serving your local community, explore our Public Services courses today.