BTP and media students get creative in tackling railway crime

British Transport Police (BTP) officers in Manchester and students studying for a Creative and Media Studies Diploma are working togther to produce promotional material for the force.

The neighbourhood policing team will be giving advice to the students on how to question, explore and communicate the serious issue of railway crime in a creative way.

In return, the students on the course at Eccles Campus of Salford City College will develop a rail safety awareness campaign aimed at their peers.

Chief Superintendent Peter Holden, BTP area commander for the North West, said: “I am delighted that we are able to support this diploma, which will not only highlight some of the issues surrounding route crime, but will also strengthen our links with the local community.

“This is exactly what our neighbourhood policing teams are all about and I am sure the relationships forged between BTP and Eccles College will prove beneficial to both organisations, adding to the successful partnership that already exists between BTP and nearby Salford University.

“I look forward to seeing the work of the students and have no doubt that the end product will be of value to the whole rail community.”

As part of the diploma, students will master the skills and processes valued by the creative and media industries.

It is hoped that the awareness campaign will be completed prior to the summer holidays, when crimes such as trespass and stone-throwing rise.

Diploma coordinator Helen Walker, of Salford City Council, said: “I am really pleased that our first cohort of Level 3 Creative and Media Studies Diploma learners from Salford City College has been given the opportunity to participate in such an innovative project.

“Through collaboration and partnership with employers such as British Transport Police the students will be able to see the relevance of what they’re studying through a more practical, hands-on, approach to learning. This experience will give them an added advantage if they choose to pursue a career in the industry.”