A LOCAL police officer who rebuilt a fractured youth engagement system and delivered what colleagues describe as life-changing results for young people across Cowal and Bute has been recognised with a prestigious divisional award.
PC Rachael Wells, from Dunoon, was appointed as the Youth Engagement Officer (YEO) for L Division in April 2024, and has been praised for her ingenuity, compassion and outstanding commitment after taking on a role spanning two high schools, 34 primary schools and numerous nurseries across Dunoon, Rothesay, Bute and the wider Cowal area.
When she stepped into the post, relationships between local schools and Police Scotland were described as strained. PC Wells immediately set out to rebuild trust, working closely with teaching staff to ensure police engagement was focused on achieving the best outcomes for pupils.
Her work has been all the more remarkable given that she has operated without a formal budget, instead relying on the Divisional Commanders fund, partnership working and external relationships to deliver meaningful programmes at no cost.
Among her most celebrated achievements are two new youth initiatives which have already made a noticeable difference in local schools.
The Girls-Only Running Club: Rachaela mother herselfcreated a safe, secure, female-only environment that uses physical fitness to feed directly into our strategies for empowering young females and tackling violence against women and girls.
The initiative has grown so successfully that it now has the full support of teachers and fellow female police officers.
The Boys Positive Role Model Group: Critically, Rachael expanded this concept to engage with males on the fringes of criminality. Working alongside the school, she used positive diversionary tacticsthe 4 Ds conceptto encourage the boys to spend their spare time learning woodcraft and vehicle mechanics, supported by local partners who funded gym memberships.
The positive impact is measurable: school staff have commented favourably on the significant decrease in classroom disruption caused by these youths. This is policing at its most effective.
Beyond her day-to-day duties, PC Wells volunteers substantial time to support the L Division Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV), helping represent the force at major events including the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. She is also helping establish a new PSYV group on Bute.
Senior officers praised her empathy, perseverance and belief in the potential of every young person she works with, describing her contribution as central to the divisions mission in rural communities.
PC Wells was presented with this years divisional award in recognition of her personal commitment, compassion and dedication to public service.
