"This scheme has been worth its weight in gold to Sefton Police, the local community and the young people it has reached out to. The amount of 'job satisfaction' we get from seeing the young people enjoying themselves and engaging with us cannot be overstated."
Merseyside Police Officers and Trustees of PAYES - 2009
Background
The scheme was launched by volunteers from Merseyside Police in 1993, prompted by the tragic murder of two-year old James Bulger. It is aimed at young people aged 12 - 13 from the Sefton area of Liverpool who are at risk of becoming involved in criminal activity.
What is PAYES?
PAYES takes the form of a three-year personal development programme. Police volunteers provide a variety of activities in Sefton, and participants are given the chance to attend a Brathay residential each year, on the condition that they demonstrate good behaviour and do not become involved in criminal activity.
By building self-esteem and a sense of purpose, and providing an incentive to behave well, the Scheme encourages young people to stay out of trouble during the years when statistically they are most likely to begin criminal activity. Since the Scheme was founded, Sefton has benefited from a steady decrease in the levels of street crime and anti-social behaviour involving young people. In addition, PAYES builds positive and meaningful relationships between the Police and young people and strengthens the Police's positive profile within the community.