Wiltshire Scouts join police for new challenge badge

The event which took place on Sunday, October 6, in Devizes, aimed to test the scouts' problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills, while giving them a better understanding of the role police officers and staff play in keeping the community safe.

The day was part of Wiltshire Police's goal to build trust and confidence among young people, particularly in light of a national survey by the Youth Endowment Fund in 2023, which revealed 47 per cent of teenagers in England and Wales had been victims of, or had witnessed, violence in the past year.

Wiltshire Police's Scout Challenge Badge (Image: Wiltshire Police) 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 to 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.

Wiltshire Police's Scout Challenge Badge (Image: Wiltshire Police) "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 took part in a range of activities designed to give them a realistic view of police work.

These included designing their own police force, creating a vision, priorities, and structure for a force.

They also solved a simulated crime and got hands-on experience with police protective equipment and tactics.

Wiltshire Police's Scout Challenge Badge (Image: Wiltshire Police) Over lunch, the scouts explored a policing marketplace, where they met officers from various departments, before being presented with their Wiltshire Police Scout Challenge Badges at the end of the day.

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."