More than 80 Scouts from Troops across Wiltshire gathered at Wiltshire Police Headquarters in Devizes to participate in the first-ever Wiltshire Police Scout Challenge Badge.
The interactive day aimed to test the Scouts' problem-solving, teamwork and leadership skills, whilst providing valuable insights into the critical role police officers and staff play in keeping the community safe.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper, Child and Young People NPCC 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.”
The chief constable continued: "“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.
The Scouts faced a range of challenging activities aimed at giving them a realistic view of police work, such as: designing their own police forces, crime solving and getting hands-on with police equipment.
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Over lunch, Scouts explored a Policing Marketplace, where they met officers from various departments.
At the close of the day, the Scouts where presented with their Wiltshire Police Scout Challenge Badges, which symbolise the skills they developed and the core values of public service and teamwork.
"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."
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He continued: "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.”
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.
Wiltshire Police aims to show young people that the police are there to support them and keep the young people of Wiltshire safe.
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