The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Jon Boutcher, visited St Colm's High School in Twinbrook yesterday, Thursday 23rd April, to see firsthand how money seized from criminal activity is being used to support student health and wellbeing.

The initiative, supported by the Proceeds of Crime Fund, has provided the school with a new polytunnel. This practical project allows students to grow their own fruit and vegetables as part of their food and nutrition curriculum, aiming to "plant seeds for healthy futures."

During the visit, the Chief Constable engaged with students, staff, and local political representatives to discuss the PSNI's Children and Young People's Strategy, which focuses on building trust and ensuring the police service remains accessible to the next generation. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "Our younger generation might not represent all of society, but they do make up 100% of our future. This engagement is literally the grassroots of our Children and Young People's Strategy. We want young people in Northern Ireland to know that we are their police service, we are there for them and we take their concerns as seriously as those of adults."

The visit also highlighted the ongoing success of Op Chicquer, a collaborative project between the school and the PSNI to address the dangers of illegal street scrambling. A documentary shown during the visit outlined how youth education and safe scrambling courses have contributed to a significant 29.8% reduction in scrambler-related incidents across the city between the 2023/24 and 2024/25 periods.

Headmaster Adrian Walsh described the visit as historic: "Students were given a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the Chief Constable, posing thoughtful and relevant questions based on their own experiences and perceptions of policing. The discussion provided an open and constructive forum, encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding."

The PSNI confirmed that local neighbourhood officers, including Constable William Kingsberry, will continue to work closely with the Twinbrook community to address local concerns and offer advice on issues affecting young people today.