On Wednesday, February 11, 2009...

CRIME-FIGHTING pupils from Clydebank joined forces with the police to get a taste of life as a copper.

From learning how to defend themselves when attacked, to seeing how cops use state-of-the-art technology in murder cases, the high school kids thoroughly enjoyed their week shadowing the officers.

And most of the teenagers came away from the work experience activities fired up to join the force.

Megan Kelly, 16, who is in fifth year at St Columba’s High, really enjoyed seeing how the police went about their work.

She told the Post: “It has been very interesting to see how many different jobs make up the police force.

“I had no idea there were that many different roles, and seeing how they used CCTV was great as well

“I think I’d like to join the dog or the mounted branch of the police, because I’ve always had a soft spot for animals.”

Paul Geddes, 15, in fourth year at Clydebank High, felt that working with the community safety department would be his career choice.

He said: “It’s been a lot of fun seeing how the police work, and has really made me consider becoming an officer when I finish school.

“The use of technology and the cars in the police are brilliant, and stood out to me during the week.

“I think if I was to join the force I’d want to be a community cop, working my own beat, and helping people in that area.”

The teenager was also joined by pupils from Our Lady and St Patrick’s High, Dumbarton Academy and Vale of Leven Academy.

They also visited a police museum, Glasgow Sheriff Court and Celtic’s Parkhead stadium, to see how the cops police football matches.

PC Robin Faulds for Clydebank and PC David Russell for Dumbarton led the week of activities for the pupils.

PC Faulds told the Post: “It’s a fantastic week offering the youngsters of West Dunbartonshire a great insight into the diverse nature of policing and the varied roles open to them if they choose to join.” Strathclyde Police.” PC Russell added: “It’s encouraging to see how the youngsters, who didn’t know each other at the start of the week, interact and form friendships.

“This week helps foster good relations between the youngsters and the police.”