Students from secondary schools across North Ayrshire have joined local officers on the beat - learning how Police Scotland keeps local communities safe.

Arranged through Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and coordinated by police Campus Officers, pupils got a hands on experience with equipment and vehicles. 

Day one included learning the role of a public order officer, with youngsters wearing protective equipment and working as a team in a practical scenario.

The students then met the Roads Policing Unit, and enjoyed seeing the marked traffic vehicles and trying out the hand-held speed meter.

They were then taken to the 'charge bar' to be shown how an arrested person is processed and cared for whilst in custody.

Finally, pupils met with CID officers, learning how a crime scene is investigated and the stringent procedures involved.