Award success for our Trainee Detective Programme

The team behind the pioneering state-of-the-art project have taken home the High Sheriff Cup at Northumbria Police’s Pride and Policing Awards.

The winning project was the first of its kind and was the hard work of officers and staff from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), Northumbria Police, the Connor Brown Trust and Education Partnership North East.

The project saw seventeen students, aged 11-14, from Hetton Academy, participate in the innovative week-long Trainee Detective programme that used the tragic story of Connor Brown’s murder to help the children understand the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.

They were split into teams at Sunderland College’s Bede Campus and challenged to solve the case after being walked through each step of the investigation.

Advanced 360 immersive technology and virtual reality in the college's Innovation Space allowed the diligent detectives to walk through the crime scene and a custody suite to evaluate the evidence.

The trainees also received expert medical testimony on Connor’s fatal injuries and the attempts to save the teenager’s life, before paying a visit to Sunderland Magistrates’ Court for a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the judicial process.

Backed by Connor’s family and friends, who also delivered an input, the groundbreaking project educates young children on the risks of knife crime and the devastating ramifications for their families, friends and the wider community.

Following the win, NEROCU Detective Inspector Andrea Burns, said: “We’re delighted to see the project get the recognition it deserves.

“Each cohort is months of planning and a lot of hard work by a dedicated team, but it is so important for communities and is about getting the kids engaged and involved so that the message they leave with has a lasting impact.

“Our work doesn’t end here though and thankfully we have now secured funding to continue the rollout across the North East and deliver this life-saving programme to more children.”