Clyde Valley campus cop disappointed by end of role

Feb 3 2010 by Graham Miller, Wishaw Press

OVERTOWN’S Clyde Valley High campus cop PC Craig Ritchie has told of the immense enjoyment his soon-to-be-axed role has given him since 2007.

As part of a cost-cutting exercise, North Lanarkshire Council have decided to withdraw funding for the highly successful initiative which has been commended by school inspectors.

PC Ritchie told the Wishaw Press this week: “My role at Clyde Valley is the best job I’ve ever had. It has been extremely rewarding to see the positive influence I’ve helped to create.

“I feel it has been instrumental in developing strong relationships between pupils and myself in particular and the police in general.”

Such is the strength of the bond between Craig and the pupils of Clyde Valley that throughout the school he is known simply as ‘Campus Craig’.

In contrast, when the scheme was launched in 2007 there was some apprehension among parents who felt it reflected badly on the school that it needed a full-time police officer. At the time one parent memorably quipped: “It’s not as if we live in the Bronx.”

However, Craig’s personable manner and immense suitability to the post meant early fears were quickly forgotten. In fact, the imminent demise of the role has been met with universal disappointment.

PC Ritchie continued: “At a recent parent’s evening a questionnaire asked whether the campus cop role was a good one or not. I was pleased to find out everyone there stated it was.”

In the school’s most recent HMI report, a special mention was given to the “outstanding contribution” Craig had made.

He said: “That was particularly pleasing for me, being commended for contributing towards the pupil’s well-being and achievements.”

Craig is hopeful he can continue working in this field.

He concluded: “I understand that, in the current financial climate, local authorities have to look very carefully at what they’re spending money on. However, I was encouraged to find out that the council and Strathclyde Police are in discussion to develop a different model which could be rolled out across selected secondaries. That would be ideal.”

The Wishaw Press revealed last week that the campus cop pilot scheme at Clyde Valley High has been scrapped by North Lanarkshire Council.

It was axed by council officials in a desperate bit to claw back cash and will be ditched when funding ends in April.

Launched in 2007, the aim of the project – which was also introduced in two other North Lanarkshire high schools – was to help divert young people from potential crime and create a more positive view of the police in the community.

The scheme – which costs around £48,500 each year, with NLC providing two thirds of the funding and Strathclyde Police the rest – quickly proved a resounding success, providing what the council described as “positive, proactive and pastoral support” to pupils.

The initiative was also instrumental in developing and building a relationship between the school’s pupils and the law. Indeed, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education was so impressed by the scheme that a special mention was given in Clyde Valley’s assessment in November 2008.

In addition to £15 million efficiency savings next year, North Lanarkshire Council have to make budget cuts of at least £60 million in the following three years to 2014.

GREAT JOB: PC Craig Ritchie said his role as Clyde Valley High campus cop is the best job he’s ever had.

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