Education
Education must be a cornerstone of any long term violence reduction strategy. However education is not something for teachers and schools alone – everyone has his or her part to play, including parents, siblings, peers, significant adults and role models in public life.
The VRU is supporting the roll out of campus police officers on a national basis. There are currently over 60 campus officers in Scotland and this number is growing as more and more forces recognise the benefits of this evolving key role.
These officers do not just perform traditional police roles but are actively involved in diversion, conflict resolution, anti- bullying and early intervention of those young people at risk of victimisation or becoming involved in offending.
The current campus officer role is already enhancing and supporting local structures within the education system and the wider local community as well as contributing to local policing objectives and outcomes.
Positive contact and effective communication between police officers and young people is vitally important. Schools provide an opportunity for this positive interaction and for agencies to work collaboratively to address the complex, interrelated issues young people may experience.
Read more about the role and responsibilities of a campus officer or view a short video on North Ayrshire Campus Police Officers
SSPC Model
In 2005 East Renfrewshire Council implemented an approach to preventing and addressing youth crime and anti social behaviour based upon Danish methods. Denmark has an internationally renowned approach that had resulted in low crime rates. The model adopted by East Renfrewshire Council brings together all local agencies involved in youth offending. The School, Social Work, Police and Community (SSPC) model aims to create strong communities and help families to break the intergenerational cycle of disadvantage by tackling anti-social behaviour early on coupled with diversionary tactics. Read more about the model by clicking on the links below.
Download the Evaluation of SSPC project
Schools Resources
The VRU has developed a range of leaflets, posters, a directory of Youth Diversionary Activities and classroom based lesson plans which can be accessed in the Schools Resources section.
Parenting
Supporting of parents and children during early years is critical to reducing violence in the long term. Research has shown that the earlier in the child's life the prevention begins, the more likely it is to be effective. Parenting is difficult and parents - no matter what their age, background or status - need all the help and support they can get. The VRU is working with key partners in health and education to support city level parenting and early years support schemes.
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