Dorset Police volunteers praised for devotion to keeping communities safe
Dorset Police is marking the start of National Volunteers’ Week by paying tribute to its dedicated volunteers who sacrifice hours each year to help keep Dorset in the top 10 safest counties in the country.
The week, which runs from Monday 2 June to Sunday 8 June 2025, allows organisations and charities to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers across the UK.
Here in Dorset, the Force’s volunteers, including the Special Constabulary, have committed over 33,800 hours in the last year – the equivalent of 6,400 shifts a year, or 77 a week to keep the communities of Dorset safe.
Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said: “Our volunteers commit an astonishing amount of time to the Force each year, and this week provides the perfect time to shine a light on our incredible volunteers who find the time to help keep our communities safe.
“Volunteers are integral to Dorset Police and because of their devotion, communities across Dorset are safer places.
“Thank you for finding the time to volunteer with us and supporting the Force to drive forward our three priorities – being tough on crime, keeping people safe, and putting victims and witnesses first.”
The Special Constabulary is made up of 74 volunteers and these officers have the same power and training as a regular paid police officer, working in highly visible and frontline roles.
Alongside the Special Constabulary, there are 142 police support volunteers, working across 35 different roles including CCTV operators, vehicle cleaners, cadet leaders, rural mounted volunteers, over 1,300 Community Speed Watch volunteers and 334 areas signed up to the Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
Special Constable Terry Treloar said: “As a special constable, the biggest reward is making a real difference to someone and helping them. Since joining the Special Constabulary, I have been to many different incidents with varying degrees of seriousness… no two days are the same!”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I want to thank all volunteers that support Dorset Police and my Office for their continued commitment, to help keep our county one of the safest in the country. Whether it be special constables on the frontline patrolling Dorset’s streets or those volunteering for schemes run by my Office, such as Independent Custody Volunteers that check on the welfare of detainees, they do it with an impressive level of determination, and each volunteer who gives up their free time is greatly valued.”
Do you want to make a real difference to communities by volunteering with Dorset Police? Special Constabulary recruitment is opening on 23 June 2025. Find out more here: Dorset Police Special Constabulary - Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police working in Partnership