Are you interested in Policing, Criminology, or Forensic investigation? If so, this maybe the right society for you! Allow me to introduce you to a bold and welcoming society, run in partnership with Staffordshire Police, dedicated to the practical aspects of policing - The Cop Shop Society.
Are you interested in Policing, Criminology, or Forensic investigation? If so, this maybe the right society for you! Allow me to introduce you to a bold and welcoming society, run in partnership with Staffordshire Police, dedicated to the practical aspects of policing - The Cop Shop Society. The society is managed by Student Nicole Jones working closely with our very own campus police officer PC Gareth Richardson, who has been our university liaison officer for the past year.
The Cop Shop society is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning and gaining skills and experience in the field of policing, without having to compromise their university studies. You don’t need to be studying a policing degree to join Cop Shop. The society offers support and events that encompass not only roles within the police force, but also other elements of policing such as investigation, forensics, criminology, security, offender management and the criminal justice system.
Cop Shop Activities and Events
Cop Shop hosted its first Q&A event in November, which involved the team discussing questions which students had for Cop Shop as well as ways that Cop Shop can deliver and engage in activities for students.
Cop Shop is planning several events for students in the near future. These events include campus safety events such as the bike registration scheme, as well as the 'Get into Policing Event'. This event will provide students with the opportunity to engage with practitioners within policing and gain an insight into the careers and pathways available.
Nicole says on the bike registration event, "The bike registration event will allow students to protect their bikes against theft and promote safety on campus. The event will be held outside the Catalyst building on 22nd November from 10 am to 2 pm, where PC Gareth Richardson, along with another officer from Staffordshire Police, will be engaging with students and barcoding bikes for free. By barcoding your bike, it will be placed within the National Cycle Database; this prevents theft and provides a more efficient search and recovery if it is stolen. If you have a bike or know of anyone who does, come along and protect it!"
Additionally, Cop Shop is planning future events such as involvement in a youth panel board with Staffordshire police, participation in safer nights campaigns, which includes repainting the safe route footprints to Hanley city centre, and talks from experienced practitioners, including local PCSOs, the mental health team, and individuals from the criminal justice system.
Benefits of Joining the Cop Shop
By joining Cop Shop, you can reap numerous benefits, such as gaining extra knowledge and experience, building valuable network connections, and enhancing your CV for the future.
Cop Shop provides a safe and welcoming space for anyone interested in joining a police force or pursuing a career in the public service or criminal justice sector.
As a member of Cop Shop, you will have the opportunity to work alongside Staffordshire Police and assist in raising awareness around crime prevention and safety campaigns.
For students, Cop Shop is an excellent opportunity to bridge the gap between the academic element of a degree and the practical and interactive elements that volunteering offers.
How to join the Cop Shop?
Joining the Cop Shop Society is simple and free and doesn’t require any type of membership payment or application to join! However, you will have to go through the online registration process to become a member so that they can keep you up to date with their upcoming events.
For more information, you can reach out to them on their Instagram at - @thecopshopstaffs and Facebook group here.