Making a difference to young people
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“I want to become a household name for school age children in the area, for them to know they can come and speak to me about anything,” said Uzair, the Youth Engagement Officer for East Leicester.
Uzair Makadam joined the force as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) in April 2021, and when the new Youth Engagement Team was set up in November, he knew he wanted to be a part of it.
He said: “I used to be a secondary school teacher, so have lots of experience of working with children and a lot of knowledge around safeguarding procedures – which all helps for this role; it brings all of my knowledge and skills together.”
Uzair, who grew up in and still lives in the area he serves, says this was important to him.
“I know East Leicester very well, know people through attending mosque and know what concerns young people have. I get approached when I’m off duty and I like that – I want the students and young people I see through work to see me as a human being, just like them.
“That way, they know I’m approachable; they know they can come and talk to me about what might be bothering them,” Uzair said.
In all his schools, Uzair does ‘Coffee with a Copper’ on set days each week. This works for the staff and the students, as they know when he’s going to be there and at what time. Staff can make referrals to Uzair for students who may need some time one-on-one, or students can just drop in.
Uzair said: “Many students are just very inquisitive and ask lots of questions. I think because I am from the same background as many of the students I meet – many see my name on my epaulettes and tell me people they know with the same names – that helps.
“If they see me at Friday prayers, I wear my hat, I take my boots off, and I’m one of them, I’m really relatable.
“Some of them have only ever come into contact with the police when something has gone wrong; when the police have had to come in to sort something out. They found it difficult to understand why I was in school at first.
“Many ask questions about stop and search, and what will happen if they are found with a knife or drugs, and I tell them honestly. I want to educate them.
“I think I have changed some of their perceptions about what the police are there to do by building relationships.”
Uzair was also the guest of honour at the end of the summer term, at a Celebration Evening, recognising the great work of the students throughout the year.
He said: “I want to be there to enjoy the good things with them too – to show them how proud I am of their efforts and their work.
“I really get to know some of them, and it’s an honour to be invited to these things. I feel very appreciated.”