Police station volunteers congratulated by PCC (From Watford Observer)

Volunteers from Abbots Langley police station congratulated by police and crime commissioner David Lloyd

9:00am Thursday 24th January 2013 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

Volunteers from Abbots Langley police station have been congratulated on their valued efforts by the police and crime commissioner David Lloyd, who visited the police station this week.

Councillor Lloyd met with members of the Safer Neighbourhood police team as well as volunteers who staff the front counter and run Neighbourhood Watch in Three Rivers at the station on Monday, January 21.

He praised the volunteers at the station in Manor Lodge for their role in keeping Hertfordshire safe.

Amanda Brown, lead Volunteer for the team at Abbots Langley said while volunteers can’t always do the same work as officers or skilled police staff they are able to help with administrative support and deal with enquiries from police station visitors.

She said: "Volunteering takes the stress off our officers out there tackling crime.

"This means they can get on with their vital role being out and about in the community and investigating crime.

"It is really great we have a police station in the middle of our community and I believe it makes people feel safe. "

The visit was part of Councillor Lloyd’s police and crime plan for 2013 and 2014 which highlights a public focus agenda called ‘active citizens’, paying attention to individuals who play a key role in the community.

Councillor Lloyd said: "Keeping Hertfordshire safe is not just a job for the police, and people giving up their free time to volunteer for the Constabulary is both valued and welcomed.

"I wholeheartedly support schemes like this and I want to build on the success to date in recruiting volunteers."

The members of staff, who front the counter, recently received a Police Volunteer Team of the Year award and Sergeant Neil Canning, who oversees the team, was named Volunteer Co-ordinator of the Year.