POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONERS – DORSET – TAPPING INTO THE OLYMPIC SURGE
As I watched the Olympic Closing Ceremony, soaking up the atmosphere,I noted that the
largest roar and applause all night wasn’t for the athletes, nor the organisers,
no, not even the eccentric Boris. It was for the Olympic volunteers.
The 78,000 people who gave up their time and enthusiasm for the Games. Many of these
volunteered in Dorset, many of them were my friends.
The media kept commenting on them throughout, one of them even went viral on Youtube.
It seems most people were amazed at how many of them came forward to help,
and how good they were at doing what they did.
I wasn’t surprised at all, I remember when I was investigating the tragic
Sarah Payne enquiry, my desk was full of offers of help from members of the public.
And we used them when we could.
The public really are a fantastic resource when the going gets tough,
and lets face it, for policing at the moment,the going is tough.
Dorset Police have their backs against the wall, in a few months time,
their numbers will be back to levels we had in the early 1980′s.
And we need the public’s help.
I intend to utilise this talent if I am elected as Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
The public do volunteer, Dorset police have 121 Volunteers in various roles.
They also have 230 Special Constables.
I intend to double these numbers as Dorset PCC.
The public have so much to give, and the more public we have working with the Force,
the more public facing the Force is.
We can tap into their knowledge, and their expertise. And over a four year term,
I intend to work with all of the other agencies to reward these amazing people.
Boris Johnson got it right when he stated that London Special Constables will be
rewarded with a discount in their Council Tax.
Another PCC Candidate has joined me in suggesting that Special Constables need recognition for their vital work.
Volunteers, be it in back office functions or in the role of Special Constable,
need our recognition, our thanks,and our support.
I intend to give it to them.
I think the benchmark for your idea that Specials deserve some form of recognition should begin with the example project operated by Humberside Police and the City of Kingston Upon Hull where Specials are afforded a 50% reduction in their Council Tax as a thank you for their efforts and service – I see no reason why this real and useful benefit to a group of very special people who go out of their way to help others on a voluntary basis should not be expanded country-wide.
Useful, thanks!