PCC applauds Norfolk’s team of “dedicated” volunteers

With national #VolunteersWeek2018 in full swing Norfolk’s PCC Lorne Green recognises the ‘vital contribution’ by Norfolk’s team of ‘unsung heroes’ who help to keep the county safe.

Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK.

It takes place between 1 and 7 June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.

PCC Lorne Green, said: “At a time when police forces are being asked to do more with less it is vital we recognise the contribution that volunteers make.

“From Specials to Community Speed Watch, Custody Visitors to Community Chaplaincy we are fortunate enough to work with a number of dedicated and loyal volunteers with lots of different skills and knowledge who in turn work alongside our police to keep Norfolk safe.

“These often unsung heroes provide a vital contribution to the world of policing with much of the work they carry out being largely unseen despite hours of effort.

“The role they play however is a crucial one and we should take this opportunity to praise them all for their efforts and ongoing commitment.

“I could not be more proud of each and every one of these volunteers.”

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk (OPCCN) works with a number of voluntary and community sector organisations including charities and community groups in a bid to reduce crime and disorder and support victims of crime.

Examples include:

Community Speed Watch volunteers: Lorne has funded a number of Community Speed Watch Schemes in the county in areas including the Great Yarmouth, South Norfolk and North Norfolk – totalling around £12,000.

“This is community spirit at its best – cooperation between Community Speed Watch volunteers and our police to keep our roads safe and I am delighted to have been able to support several schemes across Norfolk,” said Lorne.

Norfolk PCC Youth Commission volunteers: Launched by Lorne last year the Commission enables young people aged 14 to 25 to support challenge and inform the work of the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and in turn Norfolk Constabulary.

“Youth Commission members have worked hard over the last twelve months, committing hundreds of voluntary hours between them to ensure that as many young people as possible had the opportunity to have their say on policing and crime,” added Lorne.

“The voices of Norfolk’s young people are being heard and heeded in my office as we work together for a safer Norfolk.”

Community Chaplaincy Norfolk: Prisoners and ex-offenders are being offered vital support to help turn their lives around thanks to scheme the supported by the PCC since February 2017. A team of volunteer mentors have been working with offenders in prisons including Norwich and Wayland to offer support and guidance for life beyond the prison gates.

“What the team of dedicated mentors are offering these men is a second chance in life,” said Lorne.

Independent Advisory Group (IAG): This team of Norfolk residents from different community backgrounds, are consulted on key crime and policing issues and asked to give their opinions and advice with the main aim of improving the quality of Norfolk’s policing service.

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs): A team of 24 volunteers from a cross-section of the community who visit police custody to check the treatment and welfare of detainees and deliver effective oversight to ensure a safe environment while providing public reassurance.

If you live in the King's Lynn area and are interested in becoming an Independent Custody Visitor please contact the OPCCN on (01953) 424455 or email OPCCN@norfolk.pnn.police.uk.

For more information on #VolunteersWeek2018 visit: www.volunteersweek.org.