What does your volunteer role involve?
I’m part of the neighborhood policing team that covers Hawthorn and Rhydyfelin. The type of work I carry out varies depending on what’s required, however, main duties include making reassurance calls to victims that have been affected by Anti-social behavior. Sometimes I identify and pass local issues on to the Community Support Officer and as a result problems are resolved more efficiently.
Why did you decide to become a volunteer?
My ambition for the future is to be a police officer and being only 17 at the time I was to young to apply for any position. I saw the volunteer scheme advertised on the South Wales Police website and applied and thought this was a good way in to the police force.
How does being a volunteer fit in with your regular day?
I attend my local Police station as frequently as I can, when I was in school I would attend on the weekends. Now that I am out of school I attend more frequently.
Are there any special attributes that you need to become a volunteer?
The most important thing is a willingness to be helpful. My skills and abilities were assessed and then matched with the best suited role(s). I chose this role because I really enjoy computer related tasks and communicating with people.
Is there any training involved, and if so, how much?
Yes, I have attended an induction day and Diversity training course.
Are you asked to work a certain number of hours over a period of time, or is it literally whenever you are available?
In my experience this is very flexible – I can work whenever I’m available and every hour I put in is very much appreciated. Although I regularly achieve over 25hrs per month, but this is simply down to my personal situation and there is no demand placed upon me.
As a volunteer, can you decide which particular department or area you would like to work?
Yes, I was shown a number of alternatives and I chose the one I’m that I found most interesting.
How old to you have to be to apply as a volunteer within
South Wales Police?
16yrs of age (With parental consent) but ideally 18 yrs and over.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a volunteer?
Feeling like you are being useful! Also knowing that what I am doing has a positive impact on the community in which I live.
If a person were interested in becoming a volunteer, what advice would you give them?
Definitely do it, because you can take on a role that interests you, and this can give you a huge amount of personal satisfaction.