A LARGE scale training operation took place in Okehampton as the police came out in force last week. More than 20 trainee police officers raised some eyebrows as they patrolled the town's streets last Wednesday. The trainee officers were taking part in the second of two community practical days they have to complete as part of their police training. This is the first time Devon and Cornwall Constabulary has used Okehampton as a base for one of the training days and reported the operation as being a huge success. Community engagement officer Gina Curtis, who organised the operation, said: 'The purpose is to get the recruits out into the public domain. It also allows the public to see the work we are doing. 'This is the first time we have been to Okehampton and the town's been great. 'Endacotts have provided us with plenty of food to keep us going and the public have been supportive and chatty.' The recruits were assessed on five different scenarios with some Okehampton residents role-playing specific characters. Aiding and abetting the operation were Okehampton College students Dominic White and Jamie Quance- Woodlands, who have both recently completed their GCSEs. Dominic and Jamie were charged with playing the role of underage drinkers and stated they had both learned a lot from the experience. Despite atrocious weather conditions, the trainee officers remained in high spirits, engaged with Okehampton's community and described the experience as 'incredibly valuable' .
