Enriching the educational experience: Law students hosted by the North Wales Police
Every year, postgraduate students on Professor Suzannah Linton’s International Human Rights Law course and other students on the International Law Masters programme go on a field trip, where they have the opportunity to engage with law enforcement professionals about their work and to see theory come to ‘life’. The last two years, for example, they have visited the Police Force and Firearms Training Centre near Wrexham.
Superintendant Peter Newton welcomes the Bangor visitors
Earlier this month, accompanied by Senior Lecturer Dr Stefan Machura, Professor Linton, her students and others studying Law and Criminology, were very fortunate to be the guests of Superintendent Peter Newton, Superintendent of North Wales Police, at the Police headquarters in Caernarfon.
Superintendent Newton was present throughout, and spoke about the governance of the Police, through the Home Office, Police and Crime Commissioners, and Chief Constables. He also discussed the office of Constable, Police Community Support Officers, and other national agencies which form part of UK Law Enforcement PLC. He shared Police perspectives on crime control and prevention, and the impact of the human rights doctrine.
Detective Chief Inspector Iestyn Davies, who has a wealth of previous CID experience in dealing with major crime including murders across the force area, gave an overview of policing in North Wales and how the Caernarfon station operates. He also spoke about the role of tasking and co-ordination. 
DCI Iestyn Davis provides an overview of policing in North Wales
Sergeant Gareth Crowe, a defensive tactics trainer, spoke about the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, use of force including in conducting arrests, and what ordinary citizens can do to protect themselves for example when there is an intruder in their home.
Inspector Neil Thomas, the District Inspector for Gwynedd North which covers Bangor, gave an overview of policing in Bangor, underlining Force objectives, policing style, issues directly related to students and an increasingly multi-racial society. He also shared with the group the effect of drink/drugs and unemployment, decreases in crime and working in partnership with the community, including the University.
According to Professor Linton, “we – staff and students – were thrilled to be able to learn first-hand about the realities of contemporary policing, and to be able to engage with Superintendent Newton and his team on a range of issues in the North Wales area and beyond. This was a really precious opportunity and we are really grateful. We very much look forward to more interaction with the North Wales Police here at the Law School, starting with a public lecture next term”.
Students were very enthusiastic about the experience:
Sergeant Gareth Crowe faces student interrogation
“I think it is very important for students of law to understand the practical aspect of policing. The trip to Caernarfon police station was fascinating in terms of how law is applied and how crime is dealt with by those that enforce it on regular basis. I would recommend it to any student.”
“I found the trip to the Police very interesting because we had the possibility to see how they work and what they do for the community. The thing I liked most was seeing the passion of the officers in doing their job and the pride on their faces when they talked about achieving their objectives. I was very glad to have had this opportunity.
“The trip was an eye opener, and I learned many things I did not know before. I felt reassured at meeting the officers, and feel safer in Bangor knowing what the Police are doing to protect us from crime. I found the discussion on defending oneself really insightful. Now I know that when one surprises a burglar at home, there are three options (run away, fight back or freeze), and the worst option is to freeze!”
“This was such an interesting and helpful way to understand and experience law in action and the practical work of the Police. The presentations were especially interesting because they presented institutional background and history, policy and basic principles of policing, and concrete examples .The officers were warm and hospitable, and very patient with all our many questions.”
“This is the first time I have ever met the Police. It was a really enjoyable and eye-opening experience to talk to them and listen to their perspective.”
“It was a great experience! Just before the trip, we had a class where we learned about the law on the use of force in policing, and we ended the day with hearing the Police’s side of the story!”
Publication date: 16 December 2013