A West Midlands Police card craze is expected to sweep Birmingham’s primary schools as the force re-launches its Top Trumps-style collection game.
‘Cop Swaps’ sees around 6,000 eight to 11-year-olds challenged with collecting a full house of cards caricaturing neighbourhood police officers in the Perry Barr constituency, plus some ‘Active Citizens’ in the local community.
Each one features Top Trumps inspired ratings for officers – including marks for Rank, ‘Police Power’ and Speed – plus a safety, respect or anti-violence message that youngsters must relay to local bobbies in order to win the card.
Pupils completing their Cop Swap album will be entered into a draw to win a Golden Card – featuring Chief Constable Dave Thompson – with 30 lucky recipients winning a day behind the scenes with West Midlands Police.
Perry Barr constituency Inspector Noeleen Murrin (pic on bike), said: “We’ve got 30 primary schools taking part… there will be one winner from each who will get to spend a day with us, meet our police puppies, get behind the wheel of police cars and check out all the equipment we use.
“The Cop Swap game is designed to help children become more familiar with their local officers and comfortable approaching and chatting to them, while sharing some important safety messages.
“It’s several years since we last ran Cop Swaps. Last time it proved hugely successful to the point that officers had children and parents running after them in the street asking for cards!”
There are 26 cards in total with a new version released every week until next February.
Cards can be collected in person from beat bobbies in Perry Barr – which covers Handsworth, Lozells, Handsworth Wood and parts of Oscott – or from selected libraries, community hubs, and leisure centres.
Some of the safety messages contained on the cards include “save a life, ditch that knife”, “give respect, get respect” and “violence is never the answer”.
Insp Murrin, added: “My team will deliver Cop Swap assemblies at all 30 schools next week and give away the first two cards… but pupils will have to earn the rest by seeking out a local police officer or distribution point and relaying the key phrase.”
Lincoln Moses MBE – chairman of Holford Drive’s Community & Sports Hub which helps disadvantaged children and young people – is one of several ‘Active Citizen’ role models whose caricatures will appear on the Cop Swaps.
He said: “I’m more than happy with my caricature… it’s a great likeness!
“The Sports Hub is all about changing attitudes of young people and showing them the path to a bright future. The Cop Swap initiative will help support that objective and is a fun way to engage local youngsters.”
Officers will launch the scheme on Wednesday (Sept 14) at the St Francis Centre, Wretham Road, in front of around 60 pupils from Lozells’ Anglesey School all keen to get their hands on the first two cards.
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