[F]ollowing the launch of Cumbria Constabulary’s Mini Police programme in March, today, at Lloyd Carlisle MINI (15th May 2018), saw the unveiling of their Mini Police mascot, Max the MINI.
Max the MINI has been generously donated by Lloyd MINI Cumbria, and coordinated by Cumbria Constabulary Cadet and Mini Police volunteer lead, Nick Mason OBE.
Attending today’s unveiling at Lloyd Carlisle MINI, are officers from Cumbria Constabulary and, as part of their Mini Police duties, recruits from Newtown Community School.
Chief Constable, Michelle Skeer said: “We have seen overwhelming support for our Mini Police programme throughout the County, and I am excited to see its latest addition, Max the MINI, unveiled today.
“I want to convey my personal thanks to Lloyd MINI Cumbria for their kind donation. Max will be a fantastic addition to the Mini Police programme; he is smart, modern and approachable – the perfect mascot to support engagement with this programme at events and further opportunities.”
Cumbria Constabulary Citizens in Policing Volunteer Lead, Nick Mason OBE said: “I am delighted that Lloyd MINI has generously agreed to supported us through their donation of Max the MINI. The car will be a pivotal part of the way in which we will be engaging with thousands of young people and will be supporting work to make Cumbria even safer.
“The response from schools to our Mini Police programme has been incredibly positive and we are already seeing children identifying issues which concern them in the areas in which they live and then working with local police officers and other partners to develop lasting solutions. This boosts their confidence, sense of social responsibility and gives them leadership skills.
“The Constabulary is committed to local community focused policing and Max the MINI will attend events across the county engaging with the community.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria, Peter McCall said: “Thank you to Lloyds Mini Group for their support. It really shows how important Mini Police are becoming out in our communities, and I am looking forward to seeing Max out and about, spreading the word further.”
Gary Bingley, Franchise Director at Lloyd MINI & BMW said: “At Lloyd MINI we are always looking at ways we can support the local community, and we are delighted to be providing a MINI Hatch to be used by police officers on their visits to local schools as part of the Mini Police programme. We look forward to seeing the car out and about at schools in Cumbria”.
Mini Police is a national scheme for 9-11 year olds, which features ‘Mini Police’ uniforms and structured lessons on issues such as water safety, ahead of the school holidays, and community engagement activities.
The Constabulary’s programme is starting in the summer term, with recruits from 28 schools, from across Cumbria. The programme, run by schools and their local Police Community Support Officers, aims to increase trust and confidence within both young people and community.
Lloyd MINI is Cumbria’s leading local retailer of new and 100% approved used MINIs, with branches in Carlisle, Cockermouth and South Lakes in Grange-Over-Sands.
