New powers for police volunteers will help us harness the great appetite for volunteering in the UK

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Citizens in Policing, Chief Constable Dave Jones said:

“The new approach to designating police powers will help the police service be more flexible when it comes to attracting and deploying volunteers with valuable skills, especially in situations where the full powers of a constable are not necessary.

“The onus on chief constables is to use the powers wisely, ensure they fit the needs of local policing and provide appropriate training so that they help us keep our communities safe.

“A new strategy for citizens in policing is being developed; as part of this we are seeking the views of all volunteers across the police forces of the UK, looking at their roles and experience in the past and planning for the future. The new powers will form part of this strategy and give us more opportunities to harness the great appetite for volunteering in the UK.”