Back to school for Assistant PCC Ashley Bertie

Assistant West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner
Ashley Bertie went back to his roots with a visit to his former
school.
The 25-year-old returned to Great Barr Academy to deliver
an inspirational speech to students.
Ashley, who was Head Boy during his time at the Aldridge
Road school, spoke about his role as Assistant PCC, Stop &
Search, mentoring, active citizenship and issues that affect young
people.
Assistant West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner
Ashley Bertie said: "It was pretty surreal
going back to my old school as it wasn't too long ago that I was
there studying hard and playing cricket, basketball and
football.
"But it was great catching up with my old teachers and I was
truly humbled when the headteacher said she was going to put my
picture up on the wall of fame.
"However, the best moment was definitely speaking to the
students and seeing how engaged and enthusiastic they
were.
"Birmingham is the youngest city in Europe and it is vital
that we focus on our young people and the issues that affect them.
By investing in our young people now and listening to their voice,
we will reap the benefits in the future.
"I spoke about my work with Stop & Search and how I've
introduced an education workshop across the region and how the
number of searches has reduced considerably but the number of
positive outcomes has actually gone up. I also spoke about when I
was stopped and searched outside of school when I was 14 and how
awful it made me feel. I was just walking along carrying my PE kit
but the officer made me feel like a criminal - it was a lightbulb
moment for me, the moment when I knew I wanted to get involved in
public life and make things better."
As well as Stop & Search, Ashley spoke about work
experience and apprenticeship opportunities in the office of the
PCC, active citizenship, the PCC's Commission on Gangs and Violence
and the upcoming cadet scheme.
He added: "My visit to Great Barr Academy was humbling and
heart-warming and it is something I will never forget.
"This school made me who I am today and I will always be
thankful for the start in life it gave me.
"I can't wait to see the achievements of the other young
leaders who are already following in my footsteps to make the West
Midlands a better place."
Headteacher Ingrid Abrahams added: "Ashley has achieved in a
few years what others achieve in a lifetime. His humility and
commitment in the realm of advocacy captured the imagination
of both staff and students. It was a pleasure to have him back at
Great Barr Academy."

PIC CAP 1: Eliza Cakla, Ashley Bertie, Zainub
Azzerghni.
PIC CAP 2: Zainub Azzerghni, Humzah Shaikh, Ashley
Bertie, Chayne Hogan, Eliza Cakla.