Constable Andy Ward, policeman

Issue 29

Photo of Constable Andy Ward

Constable Andy Ward, Policeman

School visits by the local police may be nothing new, but fitting in with the curriculum and engaging lessons are now considered essential.

Constable Andy Ward

When he first starts visiting a school, Constable Andy Ward knows he may as well discount the first two or three visits. The children will inevitably ask him how many robbers he's caught and want to know about his uniform - particularly the handcuffs and baton.

But that's all part of the "getting to know your friendly community copper" process so he's happy to accept the children's curiosity before moving on to what he really wants to talk to them about.

Police officers visiting children in schools for friendly chats is not a new initiative - it is something that has been taking place for years. But partnership working between those who deliver public services is a much-used term these days, along with 'engaging with young people' and the equally dreadful 'winning hearts and minds'. What does it actually involve?

Andy has been a police officer for 18 years and is a community cop. His beat covers the Dunblane area of Central Scotland. He's lucky in that Central Scotland has relatively low levels of crime compared to its neighbours and low road accident statistics - a state of affairs senior officers are keen to see remain in place.

His regular school visits cover local primary schools to promote road safety and introduce pupils to police officers in a non-threatening way.

"Sometimes you have to fit in with the curriculum so that pupils can see the links"

"Sometimes you have to fit in with the curriculum so that pupils can see the links. For example, we can use speeding data and plot graphs, pie charts etc, so that what we do links in with lessons. When we're talking about road safety, it's not simply a matter of saying 'look left, look right'; we do try to make the lesson interesting. I also bring in my colleagues from time to time, such as those who work with the drug detection dogs. That's always popular!"

As most primary schools are still in the main staffed by female teachers, Andy also recognises the importance of positive male role models. While modern policing is by no means limited to male officers, Andy thinks his presence can provide something that may be lacking in the young children's lives. He said: "We don't just talk about road safety and drugs when we go into schools. For the young boys, maybe they are growing up in all-female households and don't have anyone to talk to about football and other subjects so it's good that I can do that.

"All the head teachers I have worked with have been very supportive of the police and the work that we do and I've had very positive feedback. They can see the benefits of a strong link between our two groups."

Your perspective

It doesn't need to be unusual but, being yours, it will be unique. Send us your perspective, comprising no more than 500 words, to teachingscotland@gtcs.org.uk

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Latest comment...

would like to knowthe GTCS view on this scenario. I agree with Steve its a last option!