Police Scotland Youth Volunteers
Who are the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers?
The Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) are groups of up to 24 young people based across Scotland. They are supported by adult volunteers and led by a police constable or other community leader. They volunteer at community and national events across Scotland.
The PSYV programme aims to strengthen the relationship with the police and young people. They also aim to break down barriers and promote positive role models.
PSYV promotes a way for young people to understand policing by supporting the police in their local area through volunteering. Young people are given a chance for their voice to be heard. They're encouraged to promote good citizenship.
The programme is open to all young people aged 13 – 17. This allows those people to get an insight into policing in Scotland. It inspires individuals to participate positively within their communities.
Each PSYV group is coordinated by a police officer or other community leader. Police officers usually have full time PSYV duties, or complete their PSYV duties alongside other duties such as a community constable or school based officer. Community leaders will have a significant history with PSYV and/or local authority community safety links.
The coordinator is supported by a team of adult volunteers. They come from all walks of life. They bring their own skills and flare to each group.
What the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers do
The PSYV have expanded from 5 pilot groups in 2014 to over 43 established groups today.
The groups have volunteered at numerous local fairs and fetes across the country. They have also attended and assisted Police Scotland at many high profile events including:
- The Wickerman Festival
- T in the Park
- The Open Golf
- The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
- The Scottish Airshow.
The range of duties completed is great. It offers Police Scotland a great chance to engage with Scotland’s young people.
In addition, each year when the clocks go back, PSYV takes the opportunity to deliver a national house-breaking campaign. This focuses on providing residents information on how to keep their property safe and secure during the darker nights.
The PSYV groups involvement in such initiatives results in tens of thousands of leaflets being delivered and distributed across Scotland. This is done in a short time frame and ultimately assists in the prevention of crime.
Each year, during the campaign period the PSYV groups will commit hundreds of volunteers to the campaign. As a collective they give up thousands of hours of their own time.
In support of Police Scotland’s priority to reduce crimes of violence 75 Youth Volunteers have been trained in “No Knives Better Lives” Peer Education products. They are very active in their communities, presenting the key messages to their peers throughout Scotland.
There are plans for PSYV to develop their peer education skills further to offer inputs to community groups on further subjects including equality, diversity and inclusion.
Request PSYV to volunteer at your event
If you are planning an event and would like the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers to provide assistance, please complete the Youth Volunteer Event request form.
Once you have completed your form, it will be sent to your local PSYV Group Coordinator. They will contact you as soon as possible.
Please note: this form does not guarantee PSYV assistance. This will depend on the suitability of the event, the duties and the availability of your local group.
Duties to consider that the PSYV have assisted with at previous events include:
- Meeting and greeting visitors
- Handing out leaflets/literature
- Handing out 'I'm lost' wristbands to children allowing a parent's phone number to be added
- Assisting at refreshment stalls
- Signposting visitors
- Lost/found property
- General assistance.
This list is not exhaustive. Please specify on the form any duties you anticipate for the PSYV at your event. The group coordinator will discuss these with you.
How to get involved with the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers
If you are interested in becoming a Youth or Adult Volunteer visit our PSYV Recruitment page for more information.