Pupils and police go head-to-head

Police also took the obstacle course to Southbrook School in Rangiora. PHOTO: SENIOR CONSTABLE CHARLOTTE DYNDUL

Canterbury school pupils were among the first to go head-to-head against police officers on a giant inflatable course as it visits 75 schools throughout the country.

The 33m-long, 10m-high obstacle course saw pupils from Parkview Pārua School in Parklands and Southbrook School in Rangiora jumping, flipping and sliding their way to the finish line as part of community engagement initiative Blue Light.

Blue Light is a programme aimed at encouraging relationships between police, young people, their parents and the community.

Constable Sam Crozier watches Southbrook School pupils finish the inflatable course. PHOTO: SENIOR CONSTABLE CHARLOTTE DYNDUL

Afterwards, the pupils enjoyed a barbecue and chatted with police officers, as well as checked out the police cars.

Head chefs Senior Constables Craig Roberts and Richard Brunton – who holds the record for eating 10 sausages with bread at a Blue Light barbecue – served up 400 sausages.

Roberts said it was a great day for everyone.

“It allowed us to interact with lots of young people and hopefully create a positive impression of police and Blue Light,” Roberts said.