Police Force volunteers were all hailed “winners” by senior officers during their annual awards ceremony.

The seventh annual Citizens in Policing Awards was held at Hertfordshire Constabulary police headquarters on June 7, to mark the end of this year’s National Volunteers’ Week.

More than 120 guests including friends and family gathered for the event which recognises the work of the Force’s 313 Police Support Volunteers who have contributed more than 16,350 hours between them in the last year.

The event also recognises the achievements of Hertfordshire’s Special Constabulary and volunteers of the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s office.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall opened the event and presented awards alongside Police and Crime Commissioner, David Lloyd.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall

Watford Observer:

Mr Hall said: “There is not much in the calendar that gives me greater pleasure than this event. The support our volunteers give is absolutely phenomenal and these awards show the strength of volunteering here in Hertfordshire.

“As far as I am concerned, you are all winners and I am immensely proud of everything you do.”

There were many awards handed out, including Volunteer Advisor of the Year which went to Julie Morrison from the RAPPAW team who works with pets as therapy for victims and witnesses who may feel alone or traumatised.  

Abbots Langley Information Point were nominated for the Volunteer Team of the Year award.

Jac Mansell was named Cadet of the Year. Jac has been with the St Albans and Harpenden for many years and was promoted to senior cadet last year.  

James Keene from St Albans and Harpenden was also nominated for Cadet Leader of the Year.

Several other awards were distributed to all corners of the county and the evening closed with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Citizens in Policing Awards.

Police and Crime Commissioner, David Lloyd said: “Keeping Hertfordshire the safe county that it is today is everybody’s business.

“Volunteering helps to build strong and resilient communities, harness valuable skills and helps support police and partners to reduce crime and keep communities safe.

“I’m committed to growing and developing volunteering further, using innovative ideas to improve and develop how we all work together to reduce crime and keep people safe.” 

For more information about the Constabulary’s Police Support Volunteer Scheme, visit www.herts.police.uk/PoliceSupportVolunteers