Marking Volunteers Week and Neighbourhood & Home Watch Week
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of police volunteers, OPCC volunteers and Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) who give up their time to support our communities. Their contribution is strengthening the public and policing partnership. They bring energy and fresh ideas and their dedication is valued. I am immensely proud of their contribution to the Force and to Dorset.
I am delighted to say our policing family volunteer network in Dorset now stands at 2054. Over 25,000 hours of voluntary service to Dorset Police has been logged by the team of Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers, who collectively total 368 at this time.
The number of Neighbourhood Watch/Home Watch Coordinators now stands at 1069. Watch groups are increasing across Dorset and 17,000 contacts are now registered. As a keen advocate of Watch Schemes, I am keen to encourage greater participation especially in areas of the county where Watch Groups are less established. We each have a responsibility to keep our communities safe, and this is one way we can work together to tackle crime.
Dorset Alert is another way we can pass messages to the community and I would urge people to join this new service. By registering, people can receive information on local crime and incidents, crime prevention and community safety messages. It is a fantastic way for people to stay connected to news in their areas.
I would like to thank all the volunteers for their dedication, commitment and professionalism. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the public for working with us on policing and crime issues
For more information about becoming a volunteer and the latest volunteer vacancies visit dorset.police.uk.
Regards
Martyn Underhill
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner