Pupils from East Ayrshire have been learning about the role of a police officer for those looking to pursue a career there.

The Police Work Experience programme was held at Dean Castle Country Park courtesy of East Ayrshire Leisure.

Over eight days, the participants had various inputs from specialist departments within the police, such as response policing, CID, divisional intelligence, counter terrorism and senior management.

Cumnock Chronicle:

They also attended several policing departments across the country, including Tulliallan Police College, Marine & Dive Unit, Roads Policing, Police Custody Centre, and Air Support Unit. They had input from partner agencies such as Scottish Fire & Rescue, Coastguard, East Ayrshire Council and Criminal Justice.

The aspiring officers were able to immerse themselves in various activities related to operational policing.

Cumnock Chronicle:

They took part in a variety of scenarios which showed how police respond to different incidents.

They also worked together to search and find a missing person, competed in searching property for items and took part in a court scenario where they experienced giving evidence at court as a Police witness.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Pupils said that they thoroughly enjoyed the programme and had a better-developed understanding of what a police career involves.

The participants recommended the programme to anyone interested in a police career, which is on offer at schools every year through the respective campus officer within the schools.