CHESHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Dwyer has commended the work of police volunteers in keeping Cheshire safe.

During National Volunteers’ Week (June 1-7) he has highlighted the increased dedication police volunteers have given to the role over the last 12 months of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A number of volunteers have worked additional hours to support Cheshire Constabulary and the Commissioner’s office, with Special Constables alone working a total of 75,936 hours since the start of the pandemic.

Mr Dwyer was full of praise for all the work the volunteers have done.

He said: “The last year has been one of the most challenging but our volunteers have stepped up to show how much they care and how passionate they are about making a difference.

“We are very lucky to have such a dedicated team of volunteers and I look forward to seeing them build on the great work now restrictions are easing.”

Other volunteers have undertaken new training or operated under revised guidelines to carry out their roles within Covid-secure guidelines.

During Volunteers’ Week, the PCC met with Independent Custody Visitor volunteers at Middlewich Custody Suite to thank them for their commitment.

Over the last 12 months they have continued to ensure detainees in custody are supported and carried on providing remote visits and update reports for the Commissioner despite the lockdown restrictions.

Since April 2020, 183 visits have taken place to check on the welfare of detainees at such a critical time.

Cheshire Constabulary and the PCC’s office facilitate a number of volunteer schemes, with each volunteer proving an invaluable contribution.

This includes those who provide guidance in audit and scrutiny roles to support the Commissioner to hold the Chief Constable to account, those who support community engagement such as the band and museum volunteers, and those who support operationally including cyber volunteers and Special Constables.

Assistant Chief Constable, Jenny Sims, said: “On behalf of Cheshire Constabulary I would like to wholeheartedly thank each and every volunteer for the time and commitment they give to help make Cheshire even safer.

“The last 12 months has certainly created some challenges, but our incredible volunteers have continued despite these challenges to make a real difference in our communities.”

The PCC is currently recruiting for Consultation Volunteers to join his team.

They will support the Commissioner to maintain and improve public trust and confidence in policing by engaging with the public throughout Cheshire.

If you are interested in applying for this exciting role, please visit: Work with us at www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk