Multi-agency initiative provides ‘Cyberbus’ for youngsters

Officers from West Midlands Police have teamed up with partner agencies to provide a touring state-of-the-art Cyberbus for young people in Walsall.

The initiative is a joint venture between Intergrated Young Peoples Support Services (IYPSS), National Express, West Midlands Fire Service and Walsall Police.

The Cyberbus was originally deployed three years ago in anti-social behaviour hotspot areas and proved highly popular with young people and local residents.

Now, thanks to funding from the Proceeds of Crime Act and IYPSS, a brand new Cyberbus has been created.

PC Alan Poole, young person’s officer from Walsall Police, explained: “The purpose of the bus is to keep young people safe and off the streets. It also gives different agencies the opportunity to engage with young people which in turn helps to reduce anti-social behaviour and low-level crime.

“The bus is not solely for young people but can be enjoyed by the whole community for various local events.”

The funding for the new Cyberbus will provide a converted bus equipped with computers and youth facilities to tour identified areas of Walsall and eventually other areas. The bus is expected to be up-and-running in June.

PC Poole added: “The double-decker bus is fitted out with Xboxes, Playstations and DVD players and the layout was decided following extensive consultation with Walsall’s youth apprentices who assisted with the project management of the Cyberbus with Walsall Police. After the designs were decided, Leicester Carriage builders was contracted to carry out the work.

“I think this is an excellent example of parterships working together, everybody putting time and effort into something that is worthwhile. It is one of the most impressive partnership projects that I have seen.”