An event to celebrate the support and work that Dorset Police receives from volunteers was held in Bovington Park on Friday 3 October.
It was also an opportunity for Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill and the Force to thank the hundreds of police volunteers who give up their free time to support their local communities.
Martyn Underhill said: “Volunteers are an integral part of Dorset Police and many people across the county have benefited from volunteer’s time and experience.
“They are building stronger relationships with our communities and I hope we can continue to grow our volunteer programme.”
Chief Constable Debbie Simpson said: “Dorset Police continues to appreciate the many hours of support and in turn the added value that we receive from our volunteers.
“We have a combined total of 373 Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers who collectively have already provided in excess of 40,000 hours of support in 2014.
“The volunteering in Dorset extends far beyond that of our formal volunteers. We continue to receive support from over a 1000 watch scheme coordinators, many partner organisations such as Dorset Search and Rescue and Wessex 4×4, as well as the many members of our varying watch schemes and the general public.
“There are currently 2080 volunteers in Dorset working alongside the Police. Each of these individuals helps to make up the wider policing family that continues to keep Dorset a truly safe and enjoyable County in which to live, work and visit.”
Police Volunteer Carole Beaven said: “I am very proud to work as a volunteer for Dorset Police and today’s event has made me feel extremely valued as a member of the volunteer’s team.”
For more information about becoming a volunteer and the latest volunteer vacancies visit dorset.police.uk.
To set up a Neighbourhood/Home Watch scheme in your area please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. Details and further community safety information can be found at dorset.police.uk or via Dorset Alert at dorsetalert.co.uk.
