Thames Valley Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner are proud to celebrate National Volunteers Week, which runs from 1 – 7 June.
Police Support Volunteers (PSVs), Special Constables (Volunteer Police Officers) and Cadets give up their own time to provide invaluable support and help the force keep Thames Valley safe.
The first PSVs joined Thames Valley Police in 1997. Twenty-six years on, the force currently has a number of Special Constables and Volunteers working within neighbourhood and response teams, roads policing, the dog unit, the protecting vulnerable people unit and more.
Chief Superintendent Emma Garside, Local Policing and Force Lead for Citizens in Policing comments: “Our volunteers play a vital role in helping us deliver and improve the service we provide to our communities across the Thames Valley.
“This week provides a great opportunity to highlight our Special Constables, Police Support Volunteers and Cadets for their commitment to the force.”
Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: “National Volunteers Week provides us with an opportunity to recognise the important role volunteers play in policing across Thames Valley.
“Police Support Volunteers are highly valued by Thames Valley Police. Alongside Special Constables (Volunteer Police Officers) and Cadets, the force works with a wide range of committed volunteers from Community Speedwatch volunteers to Police Puppy Socialisers, who dedicate their own time to help Thames Valley Police keep our communities safe.
“In addition, my office manages the Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) scheme. ICVs are volunteers from the local community who make unannounced visits to police custody suites, to check on the welfare of detainees and monitor the conditions of the cells.
“I am truly inspired by the tireless work of our Police Support Volunteers, who give up their own time to support and protect their communities.
“If you would like to find out more about volunteer roles in Thames Valley Police, please visit the dedicated careers website.”
This week we look to highlight the work that volunteers do on our social media channels, so please keep an eye on the TVP Facebook channel, TVP Twitter channel and TVP LinkedIn channel. You can also take this opportunity to thank your local volunteers on social media using #volunteersweek.
This Volunteers Week, community-minded individuals are also encouraged to become Police Support Volunteers and use their skills, experience and knowledge to support us in our work. Typically our volunteers feel valued, gaining confidence and self-esteem through making a difference in their local community. You can develop new skills and enhance your skills, experience and CV.
For more information and to see all of the current volunteering opportunities (including Cadet Leaders, Role Players and more), visit TVP Careers.