Dorset Police volunteers celebrated for their commitment to giving back
Dorset Police is marking the start of National Volunteers’ Week by celebrating its dedicated volunteers, who sacrifice hours each year to help keep Dorset a safe county for everyone.
This national week of recognition runs from Monday 1 June and Sunday 7 June 2026, and we will be joining thousands of charities and voluntary organisations to recognise the contribution volunteers make in every corner of the community.
Here in Dorset, the Force’s volunteers, including the Special Constabulary, have committed over 23,300 hours in the last year – the equivalent of over 5,000 shifts a year to keep the communities of Dorset safe.
Assistant Chief Officer Jo Mosley said: “Running every year since 1984, the week highlights the impact volunteering has, from supporting frontline officers to engaging with communities and providing specialist skills.
“This week provides the perfect time to shine a light on our incredible volunteers, who find the time to help keep our communities safe and support the Force to deliver our three priorities – being tough on crime, keeping people safe and putting victims and witnesses first.
“Thank you to all of our volunteers for your incredible commitment, professionalism and willingness to step forward to make a real and lasting difference on every single shift.”
The Force currently has 56 special constables – volunteer police officers who have the same power and training as a regular paid police officer, working in highly visible and frontline roles.
Alongside our special constables, there are 128 police support volunteers, working across a variety of different roles, including cadet leaders, rural mounted volunteers, public contact volunteers working alongside our neighbourhood police teams and over 1,200 Community Speed Watch volunteers.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “Volunteers’ Week is an important opportunity to recognise and thank the incredible people who give their time and skills towards supporting policing and community safety across Dorset.
“Our volunteers play a vital role in helping to keep our communities safe and connected. From our dedicated Special Constables who volunteer alongside police officers on the frontline, to Town Pastors providing reassurance and support during the night-time economy, each and every volunteer connected with the Force and my Office makes a meaningful difference.
“I would also like to mention all those who volunteer with our commissioned services including Restorative Justice and Victim Support among many other crucial organisations; your work demonstrates the very best of public service and community spirit.
“My sincere thanks go to all our volunteers for the outstanding contribution they make to policing and to keeping the people of Dorset safe every single day.”
Do you want to make a real difference to communities by volunteering with Dorset Police? Special Constabulary recruitment is open now and we have plenty of other volunteering opportunities for you to choose from. Find out more here: Dorset Volunteers & Special Constables - Working in Partnership
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