COUNTY police chiefs will be held to account at a meeting next week after youngsters reported a lack of confidence in the force’s handling of abuse claims.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes and Hampshire Constabulary Chief Constable Andy Marsh will be quizzed on how the force engages young people, prevents them from turning to crime and rehabilitates those who do.

The public meeting takes place at Winchester University’s Bowers Building from 6pm on Tuesday, October 14.

A lack of confidence in the way abuse claims are tackled was highlighted as a key issue for young people in a county-wide public consultation this year.

The Youth Commission also recommended the force highlight youngster’s achievements and introduce ‘opt-in’ training for officers wanting to develop youth engagement skills and highlight their engagement skills.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes said: “Young people are our future and we all have a responsibility to keep them safe and to help them to recognise their rights and responsibilities so they can make the right decisions.

“Young people have such valuable insights to offer regarding their experiences of crime, both as victims and perpetrators. I am looking forward to challenging the Chief Constable to consider the behaviours, attitudes and culture of the police, and encouraging the constabulary to take a proactive approach to developing good relations between young people and the police.”

The public are invited to attend and submit questions for Mr Hayes. The meeting will be filmed for online viewing from October 17.