Published on:
19
March 2013
A group of five Clackmannanshire girls have helped to shape aspects of the new national police force by engaging in a national project co-ordinated by Young Scot called: 'Your Future Your Police.'
They were sisters Jessica and Rebecca Gray from Alloa, Jasmine Morgan from Coalsnaughton, and Haley Black and Danielle Syme, both from Tullibody.
The girls were supported by Clackmannanshire Council's Youth Services with the project and investigation being held over the last two months. It culminated in them presenting their ideas to a high profile panel earlier this month.
This project was concerned with providing young people in Clackmannanshire with an opportunity to have their say and shape aspects of the new national police force, which begins on 1st April, merging Scotland's eight regional forces into one.
The five-strong Clackmannanshire Girls Youth Investigation team, who were all aged between 14-17, compiled their own questionnaire and distributed it to local schools and colleges. They received 240 survey returns. They also collated the views and opinions of other local young people who had an interest in wheel sports.
The group collected all the statistical and qualitative data and produced their own Power Point presentation which contained a number of recommendations which they then delivered to the national discussion day held at Tulliallan Police College on 7th March.
The event involved other investigation teams from Inverness, Aberdeenshire and Glasgow who joined with the young people from Clackmannanshire to put forward their ideas to a high profile panel.
The panel included Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill MSP and the new Chief Constable for Scotland Stephen House. The audience also consisted of police officers, young people and youth work staff from across Scotland.
Education, Sport and Leisure Convener, Councillor Ellen Forson, said: "The Clackmannanshire Girls Youth Investigation teams' key recommendation was the need for communication between the police and young people.
"It was suggested that police officers attend local speak easy events where young people and police could engage with each other in an respectful manner and that police should hold more informal chats within schools, youth groups and colleges."
Another suggestion which was tabled was the need to have an organised group where young people can voice their issues and have their say.
Through their research with local wheel sport enthusiasts it was also recommended that there should be safe areas within communities where young people can meet up in large numbers and participate in activities like wheel sports without being seen as a nuisance or a problem.
Councillor Forson added: "The group presented their work with confidence and commitment and will continue to work around these issues in both the local community and their schools and college."