Police unveil new toddler uniform

It appears Greater Manchester Police are targeting the next generation for their latest recruitment campaign, if the new uniforms are anything to go by. St Wilfrid’s Primary School in Northenden has become the first school to receive child size PC and PCSO high visibility vests from the Northenden Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The miniature vests, which fit three to four-year-olds, have actually been specially designed for children to use during roleplay in lessons and are to be presented to every primary school and nursery in the area.

Assistant chief constable Rob Taylor said: “Engaging with children at an early age is an important aspect of Neighbourhood Policing as not only do they become used to a police presence but it also enables them to learn the difference between right and wrong at the very outset. Greater Manchester Police is committed to building links with all members of the community whether they’re 90-years-old or three-years-old. The children look the business in their high visibility vests and who knows, perhaps some of these toddlers are the future of GMP.”

Greater Manchester Police have found the mini-replica uniforms to be a huge hit with the kids, particularly when they're pretending to catch 'baddies' and help the 'goodies'.

Ben, aged five, said: “I would like to be a police officer when I am older so that I can arrest naughty people. It’s fun dressing up as them and looking for clues. The jackets have proper badges on and make me feel like a real police officer.”

The uniforms are said to be both educational and practical. As the first school to receive the uniforms, St Wilfrid's say they have got a positive response so far from the children, with the vests aiding them in class discussions about the work of the police. Let's just hope the kids don't start asking for bullet proof vests...