Dedicated volunteers recognised at regional awards ceremony
Dorset Police’s dedicated volunteers brought home three accolades from a regional awards ceremony, which recognised their unwavering commitment to help keep communities safe.
The regional Citizens in Policing Awards event, which was held on Sunday 26 October 2025, was hosted by Avon and Somerset Police had nominees in attendance from Citizens in Policing Teams from Dorset Police, Avon and Somerset Police, British Transport Police, Devon & Cornwall Police, Gloucestershire Constabulary and Wiltshire Police.
The regional ceremony saw Dorset Police win three awards. Two of the awards went to the Dorset Police Cadets – Police Cadet of the Year and Cadet Team of the Year – the first time Dorset Police Cadets have been awarded regionally since being established.
The Police Cadet of the Year was awarded to Police Cadet Amber, for her bravery and courage after she informed officers of a person who had a weapon. Subsequently Amber stopped the person from harming themself. Since joining cadets in 2022, Amber was celebrated for going above and beyond and displaying kindness to fellow cadets and members of the public.
The Blandford Police Cadets took home the regional Cadet Team of the Year award. The Blandford unit opened in April 2024 and welcomes cadets of all ages and backgrounds. Since opening, the unit has flourished by offering vital support to communities. The award highlights their hard work over the 2024 Christmas period, volunteering at a local foodbank.
The third award was handed to the Rural Mounted Volunteers who were named regional Police Support Volunteer Team of the Year. Following 12 months of development, the Rural Mounted Volunteers have grown from three volunteers in 2023 to 16 in 2025. The team contributed over 622 hours through local engagement and supporting the Rural Crime Team in 2024, equating to nearly £11,000 in policing time.
Assistant Chief Officer Jo Mosley, Director of People and Support Services at Dorset Police, attended the event to support the Force nominees and award winners.
Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said: “I am so proud of all the award recipients and nominees at the latest regional awards ceremony. Our volunteers work so hard to help us relentlessly pursue criminals, and I am so grateful to them for their commitment.
“The unwavering professionalism of our volunteers is incredible, and award ceremonies are so important to recognise the important role of our volunteers. In the last year alone, our volunteers have volunteered over 33,800 hours to us – which is the equivalent of 6,400 shifts a year.
“Thank you for all that you do to keep Dorset a safe place for everyone.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said “I am delighted to see Dorset so well represented and recognised at the Regional Citizens in Policing Awards. The success of our Dorset Rural Mounted Volunteers as Volunteer Team of the Year, our exceptional Dorset Police Cadet being named Cadet of the Year, and the Blandford Cadet Unit winning Cadet Team of the Year is a true reflection of the passion, dedication and community spirit that run through our county.
“I am particularly proud of the Dorset Rural Mounted Volunteers, an initiative I was keen to establish to help strengthen Dorset Police’s links with rural communities. To see them now regionally recognised for their contribution is immensely rewarding.
“Our volunteers and cadets give their time, energy and commitment to support policing and make Dorset an even safer place to live. They represent the very best of civic pride and public service, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved.”
Do you want to make a real difference to communities by volunteering with Dorset Police? Find out about the range of volunteer roles and apply today: Dorset Volunteers & Special Constables - Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police working in Partnership
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