Crime-fighting volunteers recognised
Thursday, 17 June, 2010
A team of volunteer police who risked their lives in the Cumbrian floods and a Special Constable who used his banking skills to help cut fraud were among those recognised at an awards ceremony today.
The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) ceremony recognises the wide range of skills that volunteers bring to policing in England and Wales, commending those who have made a difference such as by helping to cut financial crime, rural theft and road deaths.
Special constables helped rescue and evacuate people from the devastating flood-waters that hit Cumbria last year. They have now been honoured for their heroism, receiving the Team Award at the Special Constable and Police Support Volunteer Awards ceremony. The individual award went to Special Constable Patrick Rarden, of City of London Police, who has used his financial knowledge to train colleagues and reduce fraud.
Nick Herbert, Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, handed out the awards and paid tribute to the work done by police volunteers:
"Special Constables and Police Service Volunteers embody the proud British tradition of people giving up their own time to help others.
They are a shining example of the Big Society in action demonstrating the role which individuals and communities have in helping to fight crime.
I want to see more special constables and new ideas to unlock the potential of volunteers in the police workforce.
The commitment and bravery of the Cumbrian volunteers in the aftermath of last year's terrible floods and the skill and insight of finance expert Special Constable Patrick Rarden show the range of talents volunteers can bring to the police service.
I would like to offer my thanks to all the award winners and hope their example will inspire others to offer their services to the community."
NPIA Chief People Officer Angela O'Connor said:
"It is vital we thank the thousands of community-minded people who carry out a wide of range work to prevent and tackle crime.
"The NPIA is committed to finding ways of working closely with forces to see how volunteers can help paid officers and staff work even more effectively.
"We are helping forces attract and retain high quality candidates to ensure they continue to give a first-class service to their colleagues and the public."
