Being a Police Volunteer

Police volunteering offers a range of opportunities. It can be challenging, exciting, fun and rewarding. It also provides a chance to get actively involved in the local community. People often think that the only way to volunteer is to become a Special Constable. But the rigorous training and entry requirements involved in that are not for everyone. In fact there are many more ways to assist in crime prevention.

Roles Available

Each police force has its own set of volunteering opportunities. These will depend on the needs of that force and current projects and initiatives. It is sometimes also possible for members of the public to suggest new roles.

Get involved in police work by working as a station assistant or an office or administration volunteer. Use IT skills by watching CCTV or updating websites, help process fingerprints or get out into the field assisting the Speed Watch initiative or supporting a Neighbourhood police team.

Roles are many and varied and also include assisting with a video witness scheme, witness support, working on a station front desk and supporting investigating officers. Volunteers can assist with paperwork such as photocopying paper evidence, creating manuals or booking in lost property. Or develop marketing and communication skills by assisting with promotion. An important area where volunteers are valued is in assisting with community policing and helping to create closer links between local people and the police.

Unlike Special Constables police volunteers do not have the same powers as the police, such as powers of arrest. However they are highly valued as important members of the team who help to combat crime and make the most of police resources. Forces may have hundreds of volunteers and it is also possible to ‘rise through the ranks’ and get involved in volunteer management and strategic planning.

Youth Opportunities

Some police forces also have police volunteer cadets for young people who want to get involved. Cadet forces can provide experience and training, give a taste of a possible future police career and channel young people away from crime. They have regular meetings, physical activities such as drills, talks and lectures and the chance to attend camps and to participate in awards schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh. They can also help with certain activities which comply with Child Protection such crime prevention talks, spread leaflets, assist with security at some events.

What is Involved?

Although police volunteering is unpaid out of pocket expenses (such as travel expenses) will be reimbursed. Hours vary depending on the role and it is usually possible to be flexible.

Stations usually have a dedicated member of staff such as a Volunteer Coordinator. As part of the team volunteers receive support in their work and guidance and advice from professional police. Volunteers are treated as valuable members of the police team and training will be given which is appropriate for the role.

Police forces are keen that volunteers represent the diversity of their local community and so no specific qualifications are looked for in applications. However it is important that a volunteer can keep confidentiality. Some roles will have special requirements and there are some restrictions on certain professions such as private detectives, magistrates, and other emergency workers such as doctors, nurses and fire service workers.

Police especially value the role of volunteers in helping to develop closer links with the community. Volunteering provides opportunities to learn about many different aspects of police work. It provides invaluable work experience and can give insight into a possible career in policing. In addition to the training, skills and experience to be gained from police volunteering many people find the work rewarding and enjoy the opportunities to work and make friendships in an active, dedicated team.

There is always the potential to take on an even more active role by applying to become a Special Constable.