TWO Edinburgh secondaries are piloting an initiative with Lothian and Borders police. Link officers are to be based at Tynecastle and Boroughmuir schools in a move to build trust and confidence in pupils and develop respect for society.
The aim is to encourage those youngsters at most risk of exclusion to become involved in more positive, meaningful activities in and out of school, in the hope of reducing the numbers involved in offending behaviour or at risk from abuse, neglect or substance misuse. If successful, the pilot will be extended to more schools.
Andrew Burns, the council’s executive member for children and families, said: “There are partner groups working with young people in schools and this is a welcome addition to the teams already operating. Similar initiatives are successful in Aberdeen and Glasgow.”
Assistant Chief Constable Neil Richardson of Lothian and Bord-ers Police said: “I welcome this opportunity in supporting young people, developing effective interventions before they fall foul of the authorities and, in the longer term, reduce the level of offending in our communities.”
