Police hope Warhammer scheme will improve police relations, cut anti-social behaviour

Yesterday, Nottinghamshire Police announced that Bulwell Academy is taking part in a diversionary scheme where 11- to 16-year-olds build and paint Warhammer miniatures.

One attendee is Kevin, a Year 9 student, who said: "It's quite good for the police to do something that helps understand young people better and properly engage with them without it feeling like you’re being questioned."

Another pupil said they were more likely to approach a police officer for help, having spent some social time with them.

The police have been running a number of initiatives, like Safer Streets Summer and the Hotspot Action Fund, which aim to amplify their work when budgets limit what is possible. The Nottingham Post recently reported that the force will need to increase council tax by £15 just to maintain its current headcount.

Commissioner Gary Godden said, "This isn't just about putting more officers on the beat; it’s about listening to communities, and giving people confidence that their concerns are being heard and acted upon."

"Diversionary schemes" like this are used by police forces to guide targeted demographics of young people away from the justice system, before they end up on the wrong side of the law. Eight studies analysed by the College of Policing found that methods like this are significantly likely to reduce offences, 23 reported no significant impact, but zero report an increase in offending.

Tremayne Blair, from the police's youth outreach team, said:

"We know that in areas where there is a lack of provision for young people, they can be drawn into antisocial behaviour."

Many schemes focus around sport, which does not appeal to all. Building and painting Warhammer figures, donated by Games Workshop, is an alternative way for young people to spend time doing an activity together.