YOW member Harvind shares his experience on becoming a Youth Police and Crime Commissioner
Hi all! Talking to you is Harvind Grewal - Yep, that’s me.
We’ll start off with a bit about myself. I am 17 years old and I go to Pool Hayes Academy Sixth Form in Willenhall, where I am Head Boy of my Sixth Form. I’m a member of the Youth of Walsall, and I joined mid-year as I knew I had to actively get involved and represent the hundreds of young people in Walsall.
Unfortunately, for a long period of time, the media and many others have painted an undesirable portrait of young people, we are still misinterpreted, and we still get a very bad reputation. I wanted to challenge this and prove that the majority of young people, not only in Walsall but around the UK, are hardworking, committed individuals raring to make change like myself.
After seeing the improvements and changes that needed to be made in Walsall, my involvement in YOW and various other local community projects encouraged me to carry on and go for politically-inclining and youth-involving roles. Gradually, my interest in politics and community work developed and progressed, therefore encouraging me to apply to the role of Youth Police and Crime Commissioner (YPCC). With support of key individuals, family and friends, I was elected as one of two YPCC’s for my constituency. I was, of course, THRILLED!!!
Fast forward to 20th November. The YPCC’s had an induction session at the West Midlands Police Headquarters.
Youth representatives from across the West Midlands gathered for the first Youth Police and Crime Commissioners' meeting on Tuesday 20th November at West Midlands Police headquarters.
During the 2 hours, we introduced ourselves to each other and met with our points of contact including the Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner Ashley Bertie, the Partnership and Engagement Officer, and the Chief Superintendent. That evening, we went through the staff’s role with us, frequency of meetings, our connections to our Local Strategic Board Members, and much more. Everyone made each other feel very welcomed and I made a lot of new friends too.
The highlight of the night was that I raised my hand to volunteer to chair the next meeting. The staff had proposed the idea that we should be in control of the meetings, as we have an extremely important and powerful role that we have had the honour to undertake. At the time, I felt like I was the right person to chair the next meeting, as I wanted to ensure that I eased the nervousness out with a fun, yet productive meeting. I can’t wait to get started on it!
I want to put emphasis on one more thing. For me, being a Youth Police and Crime Commissioner isn’t about being better than other young people. It is really about working together and passing on information to me that you feel is important and needs more awareness. Those of you that know me know that I’m very approachable and you can come to me anytime and raise a point that you feel should be put through.
To sum it all up, this journey has been spectacular and incredible. I can’t thank those who encouraged, supported and voted for me in the process and recognised me as trustworthy enough to represent YOU!
To find out more about the role of Youth Police and Crime Commissioner, please click here. You can also visit the Police and Crime Commissioner's website.
Mariam Sohail and Harvind Grewal are your current Youth Commissioners for the Walsall area. If you would like to get in touch with them, please email us at youthofwalsall@gmail.com or use our contact form.
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