Police Scotland Youth Volunteers
Here you will find a summary of the findings from an evaluation of a new Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) scheme for 13 to 18 year olds. It was established in 2013 across Scotland in five pilot areas: Ayrshire; Glasgow; Edinburgh; Aberdeen and Dundee.
Police Scotland commissioned this evaluation by Catch the Light, an independent consultancy to report on the work of the three agencies (Police Scotland, Young Scot and YouthLink Scotland) who together established a National Partnership Unit to co-ordinate and deliver a range of activities that better engage young people in policing and community safety across Scotland.
The purpose of the report is to provide partners with an evaluation of the pilot phase to enable learning from the experience and, to further develop the Scottish PSYV Model. From there, the learning will embed the structures and frameworks essential for creating a sustainable PSYV Programme offered nationwide.
Police Scotland, entered into dialogue with Scotland’s young people and formed a partnership with Young Scot and YouthLink Scotland. ‘Young Scot’ undertook the ‘Your Scotland, Your Police’ project that involved young people in researching other young people’s views on current policing practice and the future possibilities. Results from the report (2013) were presented at a ‘national discussion day’ (March 2013), which involved young people, the police and wider stakeholders. With young people making their points heard a commitment was made to establishPolice Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV).
Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) is designed to deepen police engagement with young people, breaking down barriers with traditionally difficult to engage communities and promoting positive role models.
PSYV Objectives:
The objectives of PSYV are as follows, to:
• promote a practical understanding of policing amongst all young people;
• encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship;
• support local policing priorities through volunteering;
• give young people a chance to be heard; and
• inspire young people to participate positively in their communities.