School police plans
Hamish Hutchinson • Published 5 Sep 2012 09:30
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Cop will help to improve learning skills
A POLICE officer could be based in Wee County secondary schools before the end of the year.
The cop would work with teaching staff to reduce antisocial behaviour, improve learning and promote a positive image of the police.
The initiative would last a year before a formal review.
It follows the success of projects at high schools in Larbet and Denny.
For four years, officers have been based at those schools while also monitoring the cluster primaries.
During that time there has been a decrease in exclusions and incidents that warranted exclusion, staff sick days and antisocial behaviour.
Central Scotland Joint Police Board was given an update on the proposal at Thursday's meeting and will consider the initiative at the next meeting.
Speaking to the Advertiser, Chief Superintendent David Flynn was careful to distance the proposal from the USA's policy on policing in schools.
He said, "Some will have the view that it is a sign of failure to have a cop in the school but this is not like the American situation where they are essentially keeping the peace. This is a joined up approach to support young people."
Officers are posted at the school only during school hours and term time, and redeployed over the academic holiday period.
Chief Superintendent Flynn added that the experience at Larbert and Denny was "very positive" and a "great relationship" had been built up between the school and the officer.
The proposal is for an additional three school based officers in Falkirk school clusters, two in Stirling and one in Clackmannanshire.
Police and education bosses are in discussion over how the operation will function and which school will be the base.
Officers would be based in one school and work with the cluster primary schools.
The role of the school based officer is to:
Assist in reducing antisocial behaviour and youth crime, including offending by and victimisation of, young people within the cluster community.
Assist in promoting a positive image of Central Scotland Police with young people in the area through the establishment of positive partnerships
Assist in educating members of the school community about the consequences of actions and the potential for positive citizenship.
Participate in multi-agency initiatives to improve the learning environment within the schools.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 05 Sep 12
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