Teens get a new beat with Fife police officers

PC Mike Daglish, Tessa Sim & Kerry Willison from YMCA and PC Steven Black. Picture by Fife Photo Agency.

Community police officers in Kirkcaldy are set to swap their beat for a different kind of beat when they help host a party for S1-3 pupils next weekend.

After receiving funding of £2000 from a Police Scotland and Young Scot ‘Choices for Life’ grant, community cops have been working with the YMCA and Clued-Up in Kirkcaldy to come up with a range of events for youngsters in the town.

Choices for Life is an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of smoking, alcohol and drugs, as well as online safety and negative peer pressure.

And the UV (ultra-violet) party which will be held at the YMCA in Valley Gardens next Saturday from 6-9pm is the first event on the schedule.

It is open to all S1-3 pupils in St Andrews, Viewforth, Kirkcaldy and Balwearie High Schools.

Community police officers have been visiting the schools to sell tickets for the event.

As well as music from DJ Scuba and dancing, it will feature ultra violet face painting, a photo booth, chocolate fountain, smoothie bikes and a visit from the Clued-Up Mobile Alcohol Intervention Team’s van, offering advice on alcohol safety.

Tickets priced £1 are still available from Kirkcaldy Police Station between 9am and 5pm on weekdays, or from the YMCA.

You can also pay at the door.

There will be transport provided to and from the venue with pick up/drop off points at Dysart Cross, the Philp Hall and Overton Mains to ensure everyone gets home safely.

Sergeant Jimmy Adamson, who is in charge of community policing in the Kirkcaldy area, said: “While we’re looking forward to providing a fun evening for the local kids, there will also be a subtle message about making successful choices for life.

“We’re planning to hold a similar event for P7 pupils on March 25, and people can follow us on Twitter @KirkcaldyPolice or Facebook at www.facebook.com/FifePoliceDivision to find out more.”