Cops will set up base in schools

New council plans given go-ahead

Council plans to introduce police officers in secondary schools across Monklands have been given the green light.

The proposals were approved at a meeting of the education committee last week and the £320,000 project – set to be jointly funded by the local authority and Police Scotland – will now be rolled out in Airdrie and Coatbridge.

The council has reached an agreement with the police for eight officers to set up a home in six North Lanarkshire schools.

As reported in last week’s Advertiser, the “first phase” of the project will see an officer based at St Margaret’s High to cover that school plus Caldervale High and Airdrie Academy; with another officer based at Coatbridge High also covering St Andrew’s and St Ambrose in the town.

Officers will cover schools during term-time and return to normal shift patterns during school holidays.

They will work closely with teaching staff to deal with current issues and identify emerging issues; help young people engage in positive behaviour and steer away from anti-social activity and crime; support them to make more positive lifestyle choices, and address issues in a preventative way to deal with tackling bullying, providing regular educational input on drugs, alcohol, internet safety and other relevant issues.

Isabelle Boyd, the council’s assistant chief executive for education, youth and communities, said: “This is one of many innovative strategies to build support and we believe it is good news for pupils, staff and parents and carers.

“As part of our vision, we are committed to putting schools at the heart of the communities we serve and the support of all our community planning partners is essential to this.

“Police Scotland will have a key role to play in the development, promoting community safety and helping young people engage in positive behaviour.

“This groundbreaking scheme will be implemented in all our secondary schools.”

The Advertiser’s Facebook readers were mixed in their views on the new plans, with Karen O’Connor giving them her backing: “Such a good idea; maybe kids will learn to respect police officers and the job they do more.”

Arlene Gilchrist agreed: “Brilliant news. Hope it works out.” Isla Stewart simply said:”About time!” But RoseAnne Foy Gilchrist said: “Teach your kids right from wrong from day one and there would be no need for this.”

Alison Campbell added: “What a sad comment on today’s society that this is deemed necessary. Police resources are spread thinly as it is, and now we need them in schools!?”