Policing and Uniformed Protective Services students at Solihull College & University Centre have been immersed in a dynamic, real time major crime simulation, gaining hands-on insight into the fast-paced and complex nature of frontline policing.
The event, designed and led by lecturer Chris Thomas, a recently retired West Midlands Police Sergeant with more than 30 years of frontline and specialist policing experience, brought together students from across all year groups.
Students carry out a mock arrest during the live major crime simulation.
Working alongside a visiting British Transport Police’s Major Crime Team, County Lines Drugs Enforcement Team, and a specialist dog handler, students enacted the response to a major stabbing incident. Roles included police officers, responders, a witness-turned-accomplice, and the suspect himself. Students searched for evidence, secured the crime scene, tracked down and arrested the offender, and observed a police dog locate the discarded weapon. All evidence was collected using professional procedures and equipment, with the crime team guiding students at every stage.
The exercise enabled learners to apply and connect key modules from their programme, such as Criminal Investigation Procedures and Practice, Planning for and Responding to Emergency Incidents, Police Powers and the Law, Behaviour and Discipline, and Introduction to Criminology, to real-world policing scenarios.
Highlights from the live crime simulation as students investigated a major incident alongside police specialists.
Chris Thomas, who served in a wide range of policing roles including crisis management, disaster victim identification, counter-terrorism search operations, dog handling, neighbourhood policing, and CMPG operations, comments: “Providing students with a realistic, high-pressure environment allows them to truly understand the demands of modern Policing and both frontline and support services. Today’s simulation gave them the opportunity to think like officers, work as a team, and respond to a serious incident using authentic policing methods. Their professionalism and enthusiasm were outstanding and it’s experiences like this that help prepare them for future careers in the sector.”
The event saw full engagement from staff and students alike, offering a unique and memorable learning experience that brought classroom theory to life.
