Devon & Cornwall Police News site

COMMUNITIES across Devon and Cornwall are safer places thanks to the commitment of a devoted band of unpaid volunteers.

Working in a variety of roles, including with the Special Constabulary, volunteers committed over 72,525 hours of their time, that’s the equivalent of 9,065 shifts a year or 174 a week.

There are currently 184 Special Constables and 180 police volunteers in the two counties.

Volunteers support more than 35 roles across the Force – such as vehicles cleaner, CCTV operator, neighbourhood engagement and chaplain. Many volunteer in more than one role.

Those volunteers who join the Special Constabulary have the same powers as regular officers, and therefore are very much on the front line in keeping people safe.

But most volunteers are in the background utilising their skills to strengthen communities, solve problems and improve the lives of others.

"As we celebrate National Volunteers’ Week it is only right that we celebrate and thank those people, who care enough about their communities to give their time freely to help the police,” said Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew.

“There are many and varied volunteer roles within our Force. They play a vital part in how we deliver a service to our local communities, and their professionalism and commitment influences communities through education, keeping people safe and ultimately saving lives.

“Volunteers commit hundreds of hours a week. They do this at the expense of time with families to use their individual skills and give something back to our communities. This should not be overlooked.

“We are fortunate that we have people around us who are committed volunteers. I can see they are truly passionate about providing a service to their communities, and this week is a chance to say thank you.

“I know the sacrifice required, but this sacrifice makes such a difference. We are grateful to all the volunteers for their commitment, professionalism, selflessness and passion. To each and every volunteer, whatever your role and whoever you volunteer for – thank you.”

Two key pieces of work where volunteers have made a significant difference are Op Derig where specially trained volunteers have visited potential rave sites to give preventative advice, and the catalytic converter scheme –where volunteers engage with garages to prevent catalytic convertor theft in response to a national trend.

Case study

Sarah Bartrum, a mum, published thriller writer, mountaineer, teacher decided to become a police volunteer to help the community in which she has made her home.

“I usually work one day a week in the Citizens in Policing office,” she said.

“I get involved in all sorts of projects, our most recent has been a crime prevention project aimed at reducing catalytic converter theft.

“This has been together with another volunteer Lucie. We identified and contacted lots of garages across East Devon and were able to get 35 onboard to help us who received Smart Water kits, which help to add security marks to catalytic converters, and advice on its use.

“Our next task was to contact hundreds of specific car owners to encourage them to use garages in the scheme to get their cars marked.

“This works as both a deterrent to potential thieves but also gives the police a chance to catch the criminals if a marked catalytic converter gets seized.

“This is one of those value-add projects that just wouldn't get done without volunteer support.

“I feel highly valued in my role and it's great to feel like you're making a difference to your community.”

Find out more about how the police are trying to disrupt the trade in stolen catalytic converters here>

Case study

In his day job Craig Lang spends his time delivering IT projects for care companies and public sector organisations across Europe.

He has worked in Spain, Germany and France but in 2017, but when he started working with charities in Cornwall, he decided it was time to move to the far south west.

A year later he decided that volunteering was an effective way for him to give something back to the community he now calls home.

“I saw an opportunity for a vehicle checker and thought I would apply,” he said.

“It was easy to see how much pressure is often put on the police force, how resources are stretched. So, I thought taking on some of the minor but essential tasks would allow officers to better use their time on duty.

“So, I began by making sure the station vehicles were roadworthy, but this further evolved into supporting local community events and also to me using my IT skills where they are of value.”

The pandemic changed how Craig delivered his day job and so his volunteering role also needed to evolve.

“My volunteering role has become diverse but increasingly interesting. It has given me the opportunity to learn new skills and continue to develop. I have been involved in some amazing events like G7, and other projects which leave officers to focus more critical tasks.

“The Force have always been open, supportive, volunteer focused and provided a platform to allow me to continue to learn and develop new skills.”

Find out more about police volunteering, including current vacancies, here>

You will find more information about joining the Special Constabulary, here>

Ends

Photos show ACC Glen Mayhew and volunteer Sarah Bartrum