AFTER close to 28,000 duty hours carrying out 30 roles across numerous regional units, Dorset Police has honoured the contributions of its volunteers.

Dorset Police celebrated the achievements of its special constables, police support volunteers and police cadets at an awards event in Poole this month.

The annual Citizens in Policing Awards were held at the RNLI College on Tuesday June 7 and coincided with the final day of National Volunteers' Week.

Chief Constable Scott Chilton with Police & Crime Commissioner David Sidwick attended the awards to thank the nominees and winners for the contribution they make to the Force.

Read more: Green Spaces Dark Skies to take place 'somewhere near Dorchester'

Dorset Police currently has 113 special constables, who in the year to April 2022 found time to carry out a staggering 27,915 duty hours.

Meanwhile, its 112 police support volunteers worked 5,853 hours over the same period in a variety of roles, including CCTV operators at Wimborne and Blandford, volunteers for the Safe Bus in Bournemouth and administration support with Community Speed Watch.

The Force's 63 police cadets are based at three units across the county: Bourne Academy in Bournemouth, Corfe at Corfe Hills School, Poole, and Wey Valley in Weymouth. Work is underway to expand the scheme into Christchurch.

Special Inspector Stevie Tiernan was recognised for her exemplary service since January 2013 to the communities of Poole as an active officer, which she does alongside her day job as a police staff member and home life with her husband and young son.

Read more: Dorset celebrates the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in royal style

Other award winners included the Bourne Academy Cadet Unit for their involvement in an undercover Child Sexual Exploitation operation and Christchurch Special Constabulary Team for their involvement in Operation Swift a multi-agency operation to target criminals who use the rail network to commit offences.

Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: "I am always in awe of the dedication and commitment shown by our fantastic group of special constables, police support volunteers and police cadets.

"They make Dorset a safe county for everyone, while supporting my priority to relentlessly pursue criminals."

PCC David Sidwick added: "The professionalism, dedication, commitment and often the bravery shown by our volunteers is incredible. I really want to encourage people from all backgrounds to consider what they might be able to do to help assist their community."

Visit recruitment-dcp-dp.org/dorset-police-volunteers/# for more information.