TELEVISION and film students have found themselves in the frame for high praise after completing an ambitious project for the police.
Students at Darlington College spent weeks filming and editing a video designed to boost public confidence in local policing.
The area commander was so pleased with the results that he personally issued the students with a superintendent’s commendation for their efforts – an accolade normally the preserve of rescue and have-a-go heroes.
The video, comprising eight separate sections covers a range of community engagement projects from local PACT meetings to a garden project run with one of the town’s primary schools, is being used at events and on the internet and can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0oLK_3XGyI.
The BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production (Television & Film) crew included Aaron Ball, 18, of Yarm, James Liddell, 19 of Willington, Reece Nash, 19, of Darlington, Danielle Jameson 18, of Darlington and Aidan Fisher, 19, of Northallerton.
Durham Police Chief Superintendent Graham Hall told the students: “The police face considerable challenges and while customer satisfaction is high we are trying to build the public’s confidence in the service.
“We have been trying to engage with the public using creative means to get our messages over and we are delighted with the work the students have done to achieve this in a way they can enjoy and relate to.”
He said he had shown the video to colleagues working at a national level and they too had been extremely impressed.
Neighbourhood police inspector Mick Button added: “We gave the students the idea and they went away and made it happen. They have done such a good job.”
Tutor Mike Chapman said the students had done exceptionally well, particularly as it had been their first professional brief. “There is no substitute for working to real-life pressures, having a client to please and deadlines to meet,” he said. “So it has been an incredible learning experience for them.”
Aaron added: “We all learnt such a lot. It was a unique experience that really put our skills to the test.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College log on to www.darlington.ac.uk.
