A group of Tayside Police officers were today (23 April 2008) presented with Certificates of Merit for their part in a pioneering project aimed at helping young people develop positive attitudes towards themselves and their communities.

The Outreach Project has been running in the Rattray and Coupar Angus areas of Perthshire for the last three years. 

It is part of a wider scheme run throughout Scotland, England and Wales, with 25 projects currently running throughout the UK.  This year, the Rattray and Coupar Angus project was recognised as the best Outreach Project in Great Britain, an achievement that was recognised by Perth and Kinross Council in the form of a civic reception.

Young people taking part in the project are set a structured and disciplined programme involving a series of challenging and inspirational activities.  They learn to work as a team, improving self confidence and social skills.

The lead officer for the outreach project in Rattray and Coupar Angus is Sergeant Douglas Pover.  Sergeant Pover has for many years been involved in the Army Cadet Force, rising to the rank of Major. Together with his colleagues Constable Roderick Wood and Constable Steve Brown, they have worked with the Primary 7 pupils at both Rattray Primary and Coupar Angus Primary.

Sergeant Pover, who has served as the National Outreach Co-Ordinator for Scotland, explained,

‘‘Our project is unique in that we target pupils who are in the primary 7 age group.  This has an added benefit of allowing the children to meet and work with each other, prior to moving on to secondary school.  Historically that transition has been difficult with the young people from the three main catchment areas segregating themselves into separate groups.’’

Superintendent Matt Hamilton, Divisional Commander, said,

‘‘Each year, the programme is assessed and has consistently achieved excellent outcomes.  Teaching staff have reported an improvement in pupil behaviour amongst 100% of the participants.  Most telling is the fact that teaching staff have noted that pupils view the opportunity to participate in the project as something to aim for.

Chief Constable John Vine added,

‘‘The project is an excellent example of multi agency working and has undoubtedly had benefits for our relationship with the communities in Rattray and Coupar Angus.  These officers give up a considerable amount of their own time to make this project the success that it is.  They are a credit to the Force and the communities that they serve.’’

Chief Constable Vine presented the certificates to the officers at a special ceremony at Divisional Police Headquarters in Perth.  Also in attendance was Margaret Cameron who is the Head Teacher at Coupar Angus Primary School and Brenda Kerr, Head Teacher at Rattray Primary School.