§ Mr. Ian TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken on supporting volunteers who work for the police, with special reference to staffing police stations. [147979]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeNo central support has been provided specifically for volunteers who staff police stations. The staffing of police stations by civilian volunteers is a result of local community initiatives between the police, the civilian volunteers, and civilian volunteer organisations.
The use of such volunteers by the police is an operational issue to be decided by the Chief Officer of a police force. The matter is most effectively addressed at a local rather than national level, as it is local needs that are being served. Many forces make use of civilian volunteers although the work they undertake varies.
I appreciate the work volunteers undertake to support the police. Such work is an excellent example of the community and the police working together.