Police Scotland Engagement with Children and Young People

Police Scotland recognises that engagement with children and young people in a variety of forms not only helps to better inform the organisation and shape its approaches but allows for better understanding of the issues that affect young people. By using this learning to influence the way Police Scotland works, they aim to create positive social change for the future.

Police Scotland develops and delivers a number of educational campaigns within education settings across Scotland. These campaigns cover a range of different topics including substance harm, cyber harm, hate crime, consent and domestic abuse and are delivered to children and young people by specially trained police officers and staff. These engagements not only build positive relationships between the police and children and young people but also raises young people’s awareness, knowledge and understanding of relevant topics, empowering them to make positive choices and better understand the impact crime can have on our
communities.

For example, Police Scotland works with the I am Me Scotland charity to collaboratively develop and deliver educational resources which cover a range of important topics such as Hate Crime, Substance Harm and Mental Health. The resources are designed to raise awareness and encourage conversation with children and young people regarding crime and its impact on our communities. Police Scotland also promote the I am Me Keep Safe Initiative amongst children and young people. The initiative works with a network of local businesses to create 'Keep Safe' places in the community for anyone feeling lost, frightened or who has been a victim of crime.

The Police Scotland Youth Volunteering programme (PSYV) aims to strengthen relationships with young people, break down barriers and promote ways to make Scotland’s communities safer. PSYV is open to young people aged 13-18 across Scotland, providing them with the opportunity to volunteer with Police Scotland. The youth volunteers undergo a structured training programme and can achieve SCQF Level 4 Certification.

The Pitchin’ In programme was developed by Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council in 2014-15 following a large scale incident of football-related youth disorder. Together with footballing organisations, Police Scotland
deliver the Pitchin’ In programme in schools and colleges with the aim of tackling youth offending behaviour.

By proactively developing young people’s decision making skills and promoting positive citizenship, it is hoped this will reduce the likelihood of them being drawn into criminality. This collaborative programme focuses on prevention, diversion and education ensuring the youth participants build sound decision making skills and resilience and promoting individual and community wellbeing.