The police are the public, especially those who are ‘Citizens in Policing’

It was in 1829, when he created the Metropolitan Police Force, that Sir Robert Peel made his founding statement that “The police are the public and the public are the police. The police being only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence”.

What he could not have foreseen were those exemplary members of the public who, only a couple of years since those words were spoken, have stepped-up as volunteers to carry out the duties of the police without being paid. We call them ‘Citizens in Policing’ and in Gloucestershire we have 580 of them.

Most are recognisable as members of the Special Constabulary, whose history also dates back to the 19^th century. But these days, they cover 38 different volunteer roles across the county; including PCSOs, manning CCTV, collecting evidence, cadets and leaders, who between them last year, clocked-up 57,777 voluntary hours. An incredible achievement.

As an illustration of their superb contribution, seven of our Citizens in Policing were nominated at the recent CiP Awards Event in Swindon.  They were among volunteers from across the three core strands of CiP who were formally recognised for their passion, enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication in adding value across the county, helping to keep people safe from harm in Gloucestershire.

Sgt Cam Hay and Constables Sam Burton, Adam Murcott & Andy Wilkinson of the Special Constabulary Drone Unit were among the winners and have now been shortlisted for the National Lord Ferrer’s Awards which will be held in December. Amy Goold was runner-up to be Special Constable of the Year.

Amy’s nomination followed an incident in which she was called to a scene involving a stolen vehicle, an erratic driver who was armed with a weapon and members of the public, who had tried to intervene, and were being threatened. Sound familiar?

Despite the threat to herself, she confronted the man and disabled him with her taser so he could be arrested. 

Surprisingly, the South West is the only region in the country to recognise the invaluable contributions made by volunteers, acknowledging and celebrating the added resilience, capacity and capability they bring to policing. The event was a validation of the good work done on a daily basis by our volunteer and warranted officers. Congratulations to them and all who were nominated.