In December 2023, police officers in Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre launched a festive competition, all about showing acts of kindness.
The competition asked primary school aged children to carry out an act of kindness within their local community and to submit it to a local officer.
The winner of the competition was announced as 10-year-old Aneel from Fleetwood, who held a local charity event inside her local One Stop store in Fleetwood. Aneel made animal friendly ‘reindeer food’ and various Christmas decorations, inspired by lessons she learnt at school. The items were available to the public and exchanged for tins of food.
She managed to fill two crates of non-perishable food, which she has donated to a local food bank.
On Sunday 4th February 2024, Aneel claimed her prize of becoming a police officer for the day.
She started the day by being given her own ID card and pocket notebook, followed by trying on specialist kit by the Armed Response team. Shortly after, she got to meet four police dogs – Eric, Bozzy, Lissy and Blitz – who showed off their skills.
Aneel then used a speed gun, met the local Task Force team, received a tour of custody and even interviewed the Sergeant – and she got a confession!
Later in the day Aneel met police horses Abbeystead and Rosehill and was also able to look at the police drones and wore the specialist headset.
Aneel then rode in a police car and took her own fingerprints, followed by a final end-of-shift debrief with the Divisional Commander.
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