OVER 80 Scouts from troops across Wiltshire visited the Wiltshire Police Headquarters in Devizes yesterday to participate in the first ever Wiltshire Police Scout Challenge Badge on Sunday 6th October.
The interactive day 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, 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.
“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.”
During the day the Scouts took part in a range of activities including a challenge to 'design your own police force' - setting out their visions, priorities and a structure for police working whilst working within a 'real-world' budget scenario. Scouts also had the opportunity to become investigators and solve a crime, gathering clues and evidence to solve a simulated crime, and then they got 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 the Crime scene investigation team, the Armed Response Group, Digital Investigations and Intelligence Unit, Police Cadets, Control room operators, Community engagement and the 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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