TWO new campus police officers will be deployed in South Ayrshire, one in Queen Margaret Academy and the other in Girvan. 

South Ayrshire Council have agreed to fund the posts by 50 percent using money from their uncommitted reserves. 

The council will pay an extra £15,741 per year as well as provide one off funding of £8,000 to Police Scotland to allow them to put in place ICT hardware and increase the time spent on school sites by campus police officers.

Speaking at the Leadership Panel last week, Chief Inspector for South Ayrshire Gary I’Anson, said: “Thank you for the opportunity to have this on the table.

“Campus officers are part of the local policing to establish a foundation within the schools. 

“It will increase police presence within these areas, especially for Girvan and South Carrick. It will allow us to do more with the primary schools too and provide services and support which they deserve.”

The number of campus police officers will increase from six to eight across South Ayrshire.

Following the partnership with Police Scotland in 2007, the council approved the introduction of term time campus police officers in four secondary schools.

They took up post in early 2008 at Marr College, Kyle, Belmont and Ayr Academies. In February 2015 two additional campus police officers were located at Prestwick and Carrick Academies.

Cllr Peter Henderson said: “I really welcome this report.There is evidence to the benefits of campus cops. They will assist and reach more people. It is good value for money.”

Cllr Brian McGinley said: “I am pleased with this provision. Do the campus cops get special training? 

“The more informed they are on the individual’s circumstances the better the decision making progress will be for them.”

Chief Inspector I’Anson responded: “Yes there will be a training opportunity. We already have six really good officers and we want to make that eight.”