Volunteer - Careers - Surrey Police

What is the Surrey Police Support Volunteer programme?

The Surrey Police Support Volunteer programme enables volunteers to support Surrey Police in keeping Surrey one of the safest counties in the UK.

Established in 1998 Surrey Police has around 130 volunteers supporting us at various locations, undertaking various roles. We're looking to increase that number and open up further roles and locations to welcome new volunteers onboard.

Police Support volunteers play a different role to that of Special Constables. Specials wear police uniforms and have full police powers. Volunteers do not have police powers and help the police in supporting roles.

Who can volunteer?

Surrey Police welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and from a minimum age of 16 (parental consent is needed if you are under 18), and you can choose the hours that you work to fit around your personal or working life (although we usually ask for a minimum of four hours of your time per month). However, before a volunteer can be accepted within Surrey Police, we will conduct an informal interview and perform security checks as you may have access to confidential information.

How volunteers can help?

Volunteers help Surrey Police in many ways. In these demanding times they undertake the many roles that need to be done, but for which funding will never be available. In addition, volunteers release police officers to do what they are trained to do ? preventing and detecting crime, countering anti-social behaviour and patrolling communities.

Volunteers also bring a wide range of experience and skills to the teams that they support and help to build bridges between communities and the police.

There are various roles available for volunteers, some requiring greater commitment than others. Roles include assisting members of the public at police stations, helping to run promotional events, general office support, valeting police cars, managing the Neighbourhood Watch scheme and helping the Safer Neighbourhood Teams with community initiatives.

What's in it for you?

You will have the opportunity to learn new skills and to share your experience and knowledge with new friends and colleagues. Working closely with local police officers, police staff and other police support volunteers, you will become part of a close knit team dedicated to making Surrey a safer place to live. And you will have the satisfaction and pride in knowing that you are making a positive contribution to the safety and well-being of your community.

Apply to be a volunteer

Once you have decided that you would like to be a Surrey Police Support Volunteer you will need to fill in an application form, including a passport size photo and a photocopy of 2 forms of identification from the following list:- British (or EEA) Passport; Full UK Driving License; Original Birth Certificate; P45; Cheque Book and Bank Card with 3 statements and proof of signature; Credit Card with 3 statements and proof of signature; Proof of Residence such as Council Tax, Gas, Electric, Water or Landline Telephone bills. The application form will ask for some detailed personal history so we can undertake our security checks. If all is well and we accept your application you will be asked to attend an informal interview with the local coordinator or police officer at your proposed place of work. This will give you and Surrey Police the opportunity to ensure that the role of volunteer will suit you and that your expectations are matched

Training and equipment

New volunteers will enjoy a short induction course which will include an introduction to Surrey Police. This will be held at a main police station or the proposed place of work. More specialised training for your particular role will take place at the station or office where you will be based.

As a Surrey Police Support volunteer, you will be provided with all the necessary equipment to undertake your role.

As a volunteer you will not be paid, but you will receive reimbursement for reasonable out of pocket travelling expenses.

Want to know more?

If you would like further information or an informal chat about volunteering with Surrey Police, call us on 0800 328 7597 or email us at volunteer@surrey.pnn.police.uk

Volunteer Victims' Champion

Giving victims and witnesses in Surrey a voice

Are you a Surrey resident with an interest in issues relating to victims and witnesses of crime?

Surrey Criminal Justice Partnership is looking to recruit a volunteer Victim & Witness Champion to act as a "critical friend", contributing an acute awareness of the impact that decisions have on victims and witnesses gathered from the research and feedback that victims and witnesses provide. A good understanding of the Criminal Justice System or an ability to pick things up very quickly will be required together with some appreciation and knowledge of business practices.

This is an unpaid role (approx 16-24 hrs per month); reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Applicants should be resident in Surrey and be able to prove this.

Applicants will not be considered if they have any personal or professional circumstances that may prevent them from acting as a neutral and unbiased representative.

For more information and an application pack please contact: surrey.cjb@cps.gsi.gov.uk or 01483 468341

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 20th April 2012