Joined by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Martin Hall, and police Divisional Commander for Salford, Kevin Mulligan, the Chief Constable met students from courses including law, criminology and the built environment.

The Chief Constable gave candid answers to the students who asked about the role of the newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester, Tony Lloyd (a Salford graduate) and how it would impact on his running of the police in the area.

Sir Peter was also asked how agencies work together to prevent crime and its causes, the effectiveness of prisons and dealing with crime during a period of funding cutbacks and high unemployment.

The student session was held during a break in a ‘Meet the Chief Constable’ event held for police staff in the University’s newly refurbished Chapman Building and was attended by around 20 students from various disciplines and backgrounds.

Many of the students brought their own personal experiences to the fore, with one student speaking from the perspective of the daughter of two serving officers and another being the daughter of a former head teacher.

Student safety was also addressed, with Chief Superintendant Mulligan relaying the efforts to educate students about crime prevention and outlining the successes in Salford in significantly reducing crime over the last six years.

Professor Hall concluded the event by saying: “I’d like to thank the Chief Constable and Chief Superintendant for spending so much time with us today when they have so many competing priorities.

“We have a great relationship with Greater Manchester Police and we’ll be taking away many of the suggestions and points made today to reflect and act upon.”