RUSSELL'S experience at Edinburgh University certainly made a strong impression on Steve Brusatte.

Following the meeting, Sergeant McIntyre received the email below which is testament to the perceived impact that policing and positive partnerships are having on the local community.

Dr Steve Brusatte said: “It was a lot of fun hosting Russell today. Wow, does he know a lot about dinosaurs--much more than I did at his age!

“He is so enthusiastic and you can tell that his passion is just waiting to be realised. I think he’ll have a great future ahead of him if he is able to stay in school and keep that passion he has for learning and science. It was wonderful to see the Cowdenbeath Police take such an active role in Russell’s life. They see a spark in this young man.

“That’s not the stereotype of police officers, that’s for sure! We’re all used to seeing cops on television, arresting perps and decked out in battle gear, and sometimes the news stories about the police aren’t very flattering (especially where I’m from in the US these days...).

“That’s not the side of the police I saw today. I feel very fortunate to live in a part of the world where some of the local forces are so dedicated to community policing and enriching the lives of the residents they serve and protect.”

Carol Ann Penrose, headteacher of Lochgelly High School said: “Our school has received national recognition for our programmes in the area of Employability and our work with Police Scotland is just one more example of effective partnership working for positive outcomes.

“We are delighted with the support we receive from our colleagues in the local police team, who share our genuine commitment to getting all young people into a positive destination. Russell is just one of our many success stories but it is important to underline that this is a team effort and we could not have hoped to achieve anything like this success working on our own.”