Wiltshire Scouts take on exciting challenges at police HQ

By Barrie Hudson - 9 October 2024

CommunityClubs & Activities

More than 80 Scouts from across Wiltshire gathered at Wiltshire Police Headquarters to participate in the first-ever Wiltshire Police Scout Challenge Badge.

The interactive day at the Devizes HQ aimed to test the Scouts' problem-solving, teamwork and leadership skills while providing valuable insights into the critical role police officers and staff play in keeping the community safe.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper, who is the National Police Chiefs' Council Child and Young People Lead said: “We are thrilled to host Wiltshire Scouts today. 
"Youth organisations like Scouts embody everything we value in policing: leadership, resilience, and a commitment to helping others. 
"By working together in this event, we’re not just teaching young people about the important role the police play in keeping our communities safe, but also empowering them make choices that benefit the future of their communities and themselves.
“Proactive community policing starts by opening avenues for communication, through events like this challenge badge day. By engaging youth groups like the Scouts, we can inspire future generations and encourage them to see the police as approachable and supportive. 
"Activity days help foster trust, and we hope the young people leave today knowing that we are here to support them.”
The Scouts faced a range of challenging activities aimed at giving them a realistic view of police work:
- Design Your Own Police Force: In Teams they created a vision, priorities, and structure for a police force, working within a real-world budget scenario.
- Solve a Crime: Scouts become investigators in an immersive training exercise, gathering clues and evidence to solve a simulated crime.
- Uniform Policing Challenge: Participants got a hands-on experience with police protective equipment and tactics.
This event aligns with Wiltshire Police’s aim to build trust and confidence among young people. In 2023 a national survey by the Youth Endowment Fund revealed that 47% of teenagers in England and Wales had either been victims of or witnessed violence in the past year. 
The growing concerns around youth exposure to violence highlight the importance of creating positive interactions between young people and the police. By hosting events like yesterday, Wiltshire Police aims to show young people that the police are there to support them and keep the young people of Wiltshire safe.
Over lunch, Scouts explored a Policing Marketplace, where they met officers from various departments.
This included the force's:
- Crime scene investigation team
- Armed Response Group
- Digital Investigations and Intelligence Unit
- Police Cadets
- Control room (101/999 call operators)
- Community engagement and media team
At the close of the day, the Scouts where presented with their Wiltshire Police Scout Challenge Badges. This badge not only symbolises the skills they’ve developed but also reinforces the core values of public service and teamwork.
Steve Barley, County Lead Volunteer for Wiltshire Scouts said: “Scouting is all about equipping young people with the skills and confidence to succeed in life. 
"Today’s event with Wiltshire Police is a fantastic example of how we can inspire young people to engage with their communities, take on challenges, and understand the value of teamwork and public service. 
"By working with the police, our Scouts are learning that they have a crucial role to play in making their communities safer and more supportive.”
 

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