CAMPUS Cops have made a welcome return to six secondary schools across North Ayrshire.

The schools are welcoming Campus Police Officers as part of a new initiative.

Head teachers are spearheading the plan, which will see police officers work closely with both pupils and staff to create positive partnerships which will bring benefits both within and outwith school grounds.

The campus police officers are being introduced into Greenwood Academy, Irvine Royal Academy, Kilwinning Academy, Auchenharvie Academy, St Matthew’s Academy and Ardrossan Academy,

The campus police officers initiative will be joint funded by Police Scotland and by North Ayrshire Council with head teachers opting to use funding available through the Pupil Equity Fund.

John Butcher, North Ayrshire Council’s Executive Director of Education & Youth Employment, said: “This is not about policing our schools but about engaging with our young people to help them reach their potential while also supporting our staff teams.

“This is a great example of partnership working and addressing issues in a preventative way to deal with a variety of issues, whether that’s bullying, drugs, alcohol, internet safety and other relevant issues.

“Not only that, but campus officers can offer a unique contribution to the life of the school, by working with the pupils through their personal and social curriculum such as Duke of Edinburgh Awards, cycling classes, and extra-curricular activities including outdoor education and

sport.

“We also hope that by introducing campus police officers to our schools that it will help break down any barriers which might exist among the Police, school, parents, communities and young people.”

Chief Inspector Brian Shaw, Area Commander in North Ayrshire, told the Herald: “I am delighted, that in this the year of young people, we have been able to work jointly with North Ayrshire Council to introduce Campus Cops into our local schools.

“These officers will enhance and build on the successful progress we have already made in Locality Policing.

“They will form a vital part in our emphasis on community engagement through daily interaction with North Ayrshire’s young people who are a massive community themselves.”

He added: “The officers will support pupils in many ways, providing encouragement to develop themselves, to respect others and the wider communities they stay in.

“I firmly believe that having such strong relationships within the schools, will help create better outcomes for our young people.”