Citizens in Policing is the term used to describe the thousands of people across the UK who give up their time to support the police.
The role of citizens in policing is vital – volunteers increase the capacity of our constabularies, bringing valuable skills and expertise to police teams, creating closer and more effective relationships with our communities. These people give up their free time to volunteer in a variety of policing roles for various reasons.
Chief Constable Dave Jones, national lead for Citizens in Policing, said: “The contribution that volunteers make to the police service is staggering. Every day, thousands of people across the UK give up their time to increase the capacity of police forces and bring vital skills.
“This is all about connecting policing to communities and communities to policing.
“They provide links to the communities in which we serve and help us to respond to the rapidly changing demand that we face.
“On behalf of constabularies across the country, I offer my thanks to our volunteer colleagues and hope that this site provides information and insight to anyone considering joining the policing family.”
Across the UK, more than 32 million people aged 16+ volunteer at least once a year. In policing, around 16,000 special constables, 10,000 volunteer police cadets, 9,000 police support volunteers and 173,000 neighbourhood watch scheme coordinators give up their time to support constabularies in creating safe communities.
The benefits to policing include:
Whilst providing an invaluable service to policing, those volunteering also receive access to opportunities, skills and experiences like no other. It enables them to contribute to society, give back to their community and be part of a proud police family.
Start your career
Build your skills and CV
Spend more time socialising
Build your confidence
Give your community a voice
Improve your local area
Being a cadet involves attending a weekly session. For me it is a Thursday evening. Every week we have an input on law and once a month we have a sports night. Sometimes we have talks from officers or staff from policing areas such as the Dog Unit. We have visits to police departments such as the custody centre and we assist at local events such as the Suffolk show and music festivals.Amy Laidler, Police Cadet
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