Why it matters: The project provided real-world experience for foundation course students whilst brightening up the force's headquarters.
The details: The youngsters all studied on an arts foundation course this year and were given the opportunity to work with the force to design something for the café area.
During the collaboration, students met with several members of staff, received a brief, and had a tour of a police museum to gain inspiration before painting their piece earlier in the year.
The masterpiece was unveiled at the end of August by Deputy Chief Constable Rob Jones, who thanked everyone involved and handed over certificates to all the artists.
What they're saying: "The college has a great deal of creativity and the students came up with this amazing piece of work. The final result is amazing and it's something we are really proud of. We hope to work on another project with the college in the future," said Mr Jones.
Charlie Jackaman-Pegg, 19, from Ipswich, served as artistic director for the project. "It was exciting to have an opportunity like this," he said. Charlie, who is now studying illustration at Norwich University of the Arts, added: "This is great for the CV and the experience will help me in the future – hopefully this is the first step into a career."
Isabel Dowthwaite, 19, who lives near Stowmarket, said: "I've not done anything like this before – and I've learnt a lot about time management and working with a client. It's been exciting. I've loved my time at the college."
Helen Armstrong Bland, a lecturer in art and design at Suffolk New College, added, "It's been a team effort that has created a lot of energy and a buzz at the police HQ and I'm really proud."
The bottom line: The project celebrates local talent and community spirit, with young Ipswich artists creating something the police force says it's "really proud of" whilst building their professional portfolios.
