Event sees young people discuss future of policing

It is hoped input from the event will be used to inform government policy on policing

Young people will come together in Coventry on Monday to share their ideas about shaping the future of policing in the UK.

The event, called a Hope Hack, is a national workshop for young people to discuss how they think society needs to change, but this is the first time it is focusing on a single issue.

Monday's theme is reimagining policing, and will be led and hosted by people aged 15-25.

About 100 people from five police force areas will attend the event at the Belgrade Theatre, which will feature panel discussions, debates and performances.

The attendees will speak about crime, and their experiences with police and the criminal justice system. They will then be asked to fix the problems they have highlighted.

It is hoped input from this event will inform government policy.

The West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP), which helped organise the event, will bring youth ambassadors and teenagers who have benefited from VRP funded projects across the region.

"Having Hope Hack in the West Midlands is a brilliant opportunity for our young people to have their views and voices heard. They are an incredibly engaged group who care about their communities," said VRP director Sara Roach.

Other organisations at the event include Coventry based Positive Youth Foundation, and the College of Policing.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster will also attend.

It will run from 09:30 to 15:30 BST.

Hope Hacks are run by The Hope Collective, a partnership of youth organisations formed originally to support the 20th anniversary legacy campaign for Damilola Taylor, a 10-year-old boy who was killed in 2000.