We have recently run a trial for volunteers to work with us. We are now on the lookout for volunteer drivers to be a part of our Police Volunteer Programme.
Various roles are being piloted across the Force, we are trying out the use of volunteers for driving police officers in and around the city to community meetings and between our various buildings and partner agencies. We are actively seeking volunteers to take on this kind of role in order to free up police officer time and to ensure more officers are available on the streets.
We are looking for about 20 Volunteer Drivers to work with us Monday – Friday, 8.00am to 6.00pm for shifts between 2 and 4 hours.
Induction's will include a Driving Assessment, a tour of the locations of Police Premises in the Plymouth area and training to ensure each volunteer knows what to do in the event of vehicle breakdown or accident.
Police volunteers are not replacing any roles within the force but add value by providing a more accessible service, helping to widen the police "family" and utilising the skills, knowledge, experiences and expertise of Plymouth residents. Police volunteers will not wear a uniform and will not be issued with police powers. Volunteers must be over the age of 16 ordinarily, but as this role requires driving, all volunteers must be over the age of 17, they will need a full driving licence and must pass the strict vetting clearance.
A Police Volunteer is defined as: "An individual who, by choice, puts their time, experience, knowledge and skills at the disposal of the Force without expectation of compensation or financial reward, except for the payment of pre- determined out of pocket expenses". Our 1st did great work with us and has now gone back to full time employment. He enjoyed the experience and provided a valuable service. By using a volunteer we didn't tie up operational police officers or their vehicles.
If you are interested in becoming a Police Volunteer Driver, please contact Bex Hooper, the Force Police Volunteer Programme Co-ordinator on:
Telephone: 01392 452 051; or
Mobile: 07894 482 511; or
Fax: 01392 452 447; or
E-mail: rebekah.hooper@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
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