Police aim to recruit unpaid volunteers to patrol across Teesdale

UNPAID volunteers are being sought to patrol the dale as part of a new scheme to support frontline policing.

Durham Constabulary is recruiting police community support volunteers (PCSVs) to provide a new uniformed presence in communities and focus on local priorities.

The police force is particularly keen to recruit people in rural areas including Teesdale and Weardale. It will see successful applicants take part in foot patrols, help solve basic crime enquiries, assist in local incidents and get to the heart of neighbourhood issues.

They won’t be able to carry out arrests. They will be different from Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who are paid. They would also be different to Special Constables, who are volunteer police officers with the same powers as regular officers.

The launch of the volunteering scheme was revealed during this month’s Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP) board meeting.

Inspector Kevin Tuck said: “This is a brand new volunteering role which will give ordinary people the chance to do something extraordinary in their communities.

“We’re looking for positive, public-spirited people to volunteer in the heart of their local communities and build relationships with those who live and work there. The non-confrontational role is a great opportunity for people to give something back to their community while making friends and developing life skills.”

Insp Tuck said a key part of the role will be to build relationships with the community and support initiatives such as Speed Watch and Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings, when residents meet officers to talk about local issues. The volunteers will also provide support during police operations and events, as well as working with victims and witnesses where appropriate.

Candidates will be subject to a selection procedure and vetting process.

They will be given support and training and they will be supported by full-time officers. They must be able to commit to a minimum of four hours a week for at least 18 months. Travel expenses and uniform will also be provided.

Insp Tuck said: “We will not be losing PCSOs. Lincolnshire Police is the only other police force which has a similar scheme. I am keen to get a volunteer for the Barnard Castle area to run it as a pilot. I think it is an exciting opportunity to see if we can get some individuals to work with us to enhance our teams.”

The police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, Ron Hogg, added: “I am very excited about this innovative initiative. It will give people the opportunity to make a real difference by working alongside front line officers and providing valuable reassurance and visibility within our communities.”

The Policing and Crime Act 2017 allowed chief police officers to give more power to trained civilians.

Chief officers will now be able to give volunteers any policing power, although there are exceptions such as arrests, stopping and searching, and performing duties of custody officers. Local government think tank LGIU said: “This leaves a fairly extensive range of police powers that could be conferred.”

Chief constables can, if they choose, give them the power to request the name and address of someone committing anti-social behaviour, some powers to control traffic, the power to place traffic signs and the power to enter premises to save life or prevent serious damage.

For information, visit www.durham.police.uk.