Today (Dec 5), organisations across the world will be recognizing the amazing contribution that volunteers make.
In the UK alone, nearly four in ten (38%) people volunteered formally in 2017/2018 (i.e. with a group, club or organisation) that is approx. 20.1 million people!
Cumbria Constabulary’s Citizens in Policing team manage the forces volunteers which include Special Constables, Police Support Volunteers, Mini Police and Volunteer Police Cadets.
Last year we launched our Cadet and Mini Police programmes and have enjoyed seeing the programmes grow from strength to strength as our Cadets have embedded themselves into the policing family and developed a range of skills that will enable them to be good citizens who are empowered to improve our communities
Our Mini Police Officers are really embracing their role and embedding themselves in their communities. We now have almost 600 mini police officers volunteering alongside local PCSO’s, tackling community problems with pride and enthusiasm. They can be seen on a weekly basis being active in their local areas on a range of issues such as providing educational inputs to other young people and adults, keeping their roads safe, picking up litter, hosting fund raising activities for charities, working with other community groups demonstrating a commitment and dedication to improving their community.
The Constabulary now has 58 Special Constables who make an extremely valuable contribution to policing the county. Even though they are only a small team they really do make an impact. In the last financial year, the Cumbria Special Constabulary volunteered a total of 19,862 hours with an average of 64 officers across the county. This is an incredible achievement, which works out an average of 310 hours per officer or 31, 10 hours shifts. During this time they made 105 arrests, 20 assisted arrests, 248 statements taken or written,77 Road Traffic Collision’s attended, 61 intelligence reports, 49 traffic related offences reported, 90 breath tests taken and 198 crime files. Whilst the team is only small, the contribution they are making is huge.
Police Support Volunteers are often unseen as their volunteer role is very different from that of the front facing uniformed Special Constable and not as visible as the Cadets and Mini Police are. Their contribution to the policing family is no less significant as they support delivery of policing across the force in a variety of role.
PC Shirley Murray of the Constabulary’s Citizens in Policing team said: “It is impossible to capture all the hours and describe the variety of tasks our police support volunteers undertake but we are constantly amazed by what they do such as assisting our Public Protection Unit in relation to Missing People and installing TECsos phones, Serious and Organised Crime Unit in the area of Fraud and Scams, Roving Speed watch, Bike Safe, Cadet leaders, Shop watch and Problem Solving roles, and much more.
“We hope you will join us in saying a huge “thank you” to all the Constabulary’s volunteers.”
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “Not just on National Volunteers Day, but indeed all year round, it is important to celebrate and thank the many volunteers who support our communities day-in, day-out and right across Cumbria.
“It is important to acknowledge all the incredible work of volunteers, as so many people rely on those who dedicate their free time to improving the quality of life of those they support or their local area in some way or another.
“Volunteers are an essential part of Cumbria Police and also all the emergency services in the county. They play a core part in keeping Cumbria safe, such as volunteering as a, independent custody visitor, Police Cadet, a Community First Responder, a member of the RNLI team or a Search and Rescue Coastguard volunteer.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who volunteers in any capacity for their hard work and to let them know that their hard work is very much appreciated. Often unsung and avoiding the limelight, they make a positive difference in Cumbria every day!”
If you or anyone you know is interested in finding out more about how to join the policing family as a volunteer then please email: CIP@Cumbria.police.uk
