Published on:
06
February 2013
Clackmannanshire Council, in partnership with Central Scotland Police has agreed to the introduction of a pilot scheme of campus-based officers in secondary schools within the county
The idea behind campus-based officers, which has been successfully rolled out in schools in several local authorities in Scotland, is to assist in educating school children members of the community about the potential consequences of actions and to make them better citizens.
The police officers will also take part in multi-agency initiatives within the schools to improve the learning environment, and assist in reducing anti-social behaviour and youth crime, including offending by and victimisation of young people within the school and the local community.
In addition the new scheme will help to promote a positive image of Central Scotland Police with young people through the establishment of positive partnerships.
A protocol for the introduction of the scheme has also been agreed between the Council and Central Scotland Police.
Clackmannanshire Council Education Convener, Councillor Ellen Forson, said: "Campus-based police officers will also reduce fear of crime amongst pupils, teachers and other members of the school community and reduce crime, bullying and truancy.
"As an Education Service we would not place a campus-based police officer within a school who didn't wish it. If a school of parent council felt uncomfortable with the idea it would not be in our best interest to force it on them. We see this as another extension of Getting it Right for Every Child."
Central Scotland Police Local Area Commander for Clackmannanshire, Stephen Sneddon, who addressed councillors, said: "At the moment we are looking at two, possibly three officers, with the costs of the campus-based police officers being borne by Central Scotland Police."
Councillors were told by Chief Inspector Sneddon that the cost for each officer would be £30,000 per annum. At the moment it is a pilot scheme.
Chief Inspector Sneddon added: "My desire is that it will be continued but this is subject to the new structure. The funding for this is only in place until the end of the financial year."
Officers are likely to be appointed to the Clackmannanshire schools, following discussions between Central Scotland Police and the Education Service.