Almost 40,000 hours given up by volunteers

Almost 40,000 hours were given up by committed volunteers to policing the streets of Cambridgeshire during 2021 and this amazing contribution will be recognised as part of a national event. 

As well as these hours given up by special constables, many other people give up their time to support the force and chief constable Nick Dean, along with police and crime commissioner Darryl Preston, have thanked them for their wholehearted contribution as National Volunteers’ Week (1 – 7 June) approaches. 

This year’s event is on the theme ‘A time to say thanks’.

Other volunteering roles at Cambridgeshire Constabulary include: cadet leaders, supporting victims and witnesses of  crime, crime reduction, supporting local policing teams and role players.

Mr Dean, said: “Volunteering for the police is a unique opportunity to give something back to the community as well as learning new skills while bringing in transferable skills from outside.

“It also offers an extraordinary insight into what policing is all about and they have the chance to get involved in some incredibly valuable and very rewarding work. 

“There are lots of different reasons for joining the police and no doubt our volunteers have many different motivations for doing so.

“I would like to personally thank all of them for their hard work, determination and resolve during what has been yet another challenging year.

“An example of some outstanding work by volunteers is shown by our Special Constabulary who have contributed almost 40,000 hours supporting policing in the county over the past 12 months.

“This is a wonderful achievement and one I would like to thank them for.

“However, there is so much more when it comes to volunteering for the police and not just the Special Constabulary.

“A massive amount of work is done in every area of policing to support our efforts to keep people safe and every volunteer is a valued member of our policing family.

“I am constantly impressed with their commitment and support – they are an inspiration to us all and I hope they act as an inspiration to others.

“If anyone wants to volunteer and do something very worthwhile with their time then I would strongly encourage them to visit the volunteering pages of our website.”   

Darryl Preston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire, said: “My office provide volunteering opportunities which ensure our force operates to the highest possible policing standards.

“The Independent Custody Visitors (ICV) check that the rights and wellbeing of those in custody are being respected; while a Community Scrutiny Panel review police use of force and stop and search. “Anyone looking to get involved can apply on my website (The Police & Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire)

“I would like to thank all our volunteers for the enormous contribution they make to our force. As ever, their commitment, professionalism and dedication is outstanding.”

If you fancy giving up some of your spare time to volunteer for Cambridgeshire Constabulary, then visit our volunteering page.