CHESHIRE'S Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer has commended the work of police volunteers in keeping Cheshire safe.

This week is National Volunteers' Week (June 1-7) and the commissioner is highlighting the dedication police volunteers have given to the role during the pandemic.

A number of volunteers have worked additional hours and the Commissioner's office, with Special Constables alone working a total of 75,936 hours since the start of the pandemic.

Other volunteers have undertaken new training or operated under revised guidelines to carry out their roles within Covid-secure guidelines.

During Volunteers' Week, the Commissioner met with Independent Custody Visitor volunteers at Middlewich Custody Suite to thank them for their commitment.

Since April 2020 they have undertaken 183 visits to check on the welfare of detainees.

Later this week, the Commissioner will attend a training session with dog welfare volunteers – a scheme that has grown with seven new volunteers coming on board.

John Dwyer said: "The last year has been one of the most challenging but our volunteers have stepped up to show how much they care and how passionate they are about making a difference.

"We are very lucky to have such a dedicated team of volunteers and I look forward to seeing them build on the great work now restrictions are easing."

Volunteers also take an active interest in their community's safety with the Community Speedwatch groups and Neighbourhood Watch coordinators.

The Commissioner is to launch a Police Support Volunteers' Charter to further support volunteers in their roles and equip them with the necessary training and skills to ensure their work makes a difference.

Assistant Chief Constable, Jenny Sims, said: "The last 12 months has certainly created some challenges, but our incredible volunteers have continued despite these challenges to make a real difference in our communities."

The Commissioner is also hoping to soon appoint a volunteer Victims Ambassador to ensure the needs of victims of crime across Cheshire are being met by Cheshire Constabulary and other services in the community. This role will be advertised shortly.

And he is currently recruiting for Consultation Volunteers to join his team. They will support the Commissioner to maintain and improve public trust and confidence in policing by engaging with the public throughout Cheshire.