TWO Stirling schools will be seeing a lot more of the law soon as they get set to welcome police officers through their doors as part of a partnership initiative between the council and Central Scotland Police.

The initiative is intended to strengthen the relationship between schools, the police and the community.

Constables Liz Brown and Greg McOustra have recently taken up posts at Wallace and Bannockburn High Schools respectively and Constables Gordon Hutchison, Stephen Cooper and Gordon Todd assumed their roles at the Braes, Grangemouth and Falkirk High Schools in January.

School based officers will actively participate in multi-agency initiatives which are designed to improve the learning environment in schools and assist in reducing anti-social behavior, youth offending and bullying.

It is hoped the new scheme will help promote a positive image of the police through positive engagement.

Chief Superintendent Davie Flynn said: "School based officers form a valuable part of community policing. Their involvement with young people within the school environment is essential, not only in preventing crime and enhancing safety but in fostering good relations. We are already aware that other schools have seen positive results from enhanced engagement with the officers and reduced truancy." Portfolio holder for Education at Stirling Council, Councillor Alistair Berrill, said: "We and Central Scotland Police work closely in partnership and we welcome this opportunity to strengthen the police's relationship with the community. Better communications should lead to more understanding of how the police can help improve things for youngsters."