Nearly 40 enthusiastic volunteers who support policing in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland met Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Clive Loader last night (Thurs 6 June) with a view to joining his new Volunteer Forum advisory panel.
Sir Clive had invited them to a special event to explore interest setting up the panel – a new venture that he hopes will play an increasingly valuable role in influencing the way policing is delivered locally. He told them how he believes their work and their experience can help him deliver his Police and Crime Plan for safer communities.
During the event, the volunteers were asked for their views on what could be done better, what areas they felt could be developed and which aspects need more support in order to help Sir Clive deliver his Plan.
Sir Clive expressed great appreciation to the volunteers for their commitment.
“Volunteers support both policing and their own communities in so many ways,” he said. “We are keen to learn from their experience and support them in their ventures.
“I hope to form a working partnership which will, among other things, focus on how we can help volunteers become even more effective in the work that they do, and how we can build on the successes that they have already achieved.”
A total of 170 volunteers are registered on the Police system, which is also supported by ‘watch’ schemes and other organisations that help to deter crime, support victims and improve community safety. Last year, the 170 volunteers gave 15,862 hours of their time.
Their roles include involvement in crime prevention and community schemes, CCTV monitoring at Melton Mowbray and clerical support for the volunteer programme and the Special Constabulary. Some offer support to victims of serious sexual assaults, and others work in Enquiry Offices at police stations that would otherwise be closed.
The Commissioner will now make arrangements for membership of a formal forum to help develop and innovate the way police and volunteers can work more effectively together.
Posted on Monday 9th May 2016