Youngsters stepped into the shoes of bosses for the annual Takeover Day.
About 100 children and teenagers spent the day with politicians and key staff at Leicester City Council as part of the event.
Other organisations taking part included Leicester College, Gateway College, Leicestershire Police, Leicester Partnership NHS Trust and The Mighty Creatives.
Councillor Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor responsible for children and young people, said: "It is a great way of helping young people develop a better understanding of what their council does and how decisions are made.
"Takeover Day is something I really look forward to.
"The young people bring so much enthusiasm and a fresh outlook."
Young people shadowing the police got to meet Chief Constable Simon Cole before taking a tour of the identification suite at Euston Street police station, going out on patrol with officers and learning about the tactical dogs and firearms unit.
Mr Cole said: "Takeover Day is a great opportunity for young people to get a feel of the work we do and also for us to listen to the views of young people."
Teenager Louis Bartlett got to become an MP for the day, working with Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan.
Louis, who lives in the town, attended three meetings at colleges to discuss work and careers for young people.
Ms Morgan said: "Quite often, younger people are overlooked, so the chance to bring Louis on board means that the voice of younger people is heard when decisions are being made."
