Police Scotland launch new resource ‘My Police'
Police Scotland recently launched new children’s resources called ‘My Police’ and ‘My Police My Community’, in partnership with ‘I am me’ Scotland, a disability and hate crime charity.
The resources are based around two children’s books, which have been issued to all East Ayrshire Early Childhood Centres and all P1 to P3 primary pupils. ‘My Police’ focuses on creating a positive relationship between the Police and children and explains how the Police help to keep children safe; while ‘My Police My Community’ introduces different people in our communities and touches on partners agencies including the Scottish Fire and Rescue and the NHS.
The resources are being used by campus officers to improve engagement and PC Dawn McPike with Superintendent Derek Frew from Police Scotland, visited P3 at Annanhill Primary recently with the Leader of the Council, Councillor Douglas Reid, Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, Education and Skills and Culture, and Councillor Graham Barton, Chair of the Police and Fire & Rescue Committee.
Councillor Graham Barton said: “Ayrshire Division of Police Scotland has invested in a variety of physical resources for our very youngest learners. The two books in particular, give our campus officers the perfect opportunity to visit educational settings, interact with the children and gift each child a copy of one of the books to take home.
“It is essential that children understand the important role that Police Scotland play at school and within the wider community. The Police, and particularly our campus officers, are trusted adults for so many of our children and young people; providing support and advice during difficult or worrying times. Their work is valued by the Council and I welcome these brilliant new resources.”
Superintendent Derek Frew said: “Our campus officers are a resource that is valued across Ayrshire. They are key to providing positive engagement with children and young people.
“The provision of the My Police and My Police My Community resources create an excellent opportunity for informative engagement and conversations with children in a fun and approachable way.”
Carol Burt-Wilson (I Am Me Scotland Charity Manager) said: “I Am Me Scotland are proud of our partnership with Police Scotland to create new, exciting and engaging resources for children and young people. The My Police series is a fantastic introduction to the diverse role that Police officers have within our communities. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership to create a suite of resources for schools and police officers across Scotland.”
In addition, the books also come in a digital format including ‘My Police My Community’ being available in a British Sign Language (BSL) accessible version. This initiative was supported by Grange Academy pupil Judy, who was recently presented with a certificate of recognition from Police Scotland for this work in promoting the inclusion and accessibility of BSL in Early Years education.
You can view the digital versions of the books on YouTube - My Police and My Police, My Community