THE search is on for young people who will have the opportunity to influence policing.

Applications are open until today (Friday) for people aged 14 to 25 in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to become a member of the youth commission. The youth commission makes young people part of the solution to tackling crime and policing issues that are of most concern to them.

The youth commission currently consists of 25 members from across the two counties who provide opportunities for young people to inform, support and challenge the police and crime commissioner’s work.

Simon Hayes, the crime commissioner for Hampshire, said: “I set up the youth commission because I believe it’s important to take young people’s views into account. They are our future and will drive social change. I encourage any young person, including those who have direct experience of the police and justice systems, to apply.”

Youth commission members identify what issues affect young people in their area and gather their opinions. They then tackle these issues by raising awareness at events and via campaigns. Members will also make recommendations for change to the police and cime commissioner and suggest solutions to their priority issues.

A notable campaign driven by the youth commission was ‘lethal highs’ which was mentioned in Parliament by MP Flick Drummond when the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 was debated.

There are two stages to the application process. Firstly, a form must be completed by March 4 which is available at hampshire-pcc.gov.uk.

Applicants that reach the second stage will be invited to an assessment evening in late March. Applicants with experience of the police and criminal justice systems, as an offender, victim or any other interaction, are welcome to apply.