Encouraging Volunteers and Community Support

Our support for the Special Constabulary has meant that a large number of residents have come forward as volunteers, and we now have the second largest Special Constabulary in the country after the Met. A large number of parish and town councils are keen to use our Community Specials programme, and there are also a growing number of Employer Supported Specials. I aim to see our Special Constabulary growth success continue, with a Special Constable in every Town and Parish, growing the Community Specials programme, and one in every major business. 

Volunteers are not only welcome in the Special Constabulary. There are important roles filled by our Active Citizens programme. I will also continue to support Neighbourhood Watch, who are a vital component in driving out crime; and look to develop Farm Watch and Pub Watch further. Both Police and Fire Cadets help our young people find positive and exciting roles in our community; we need to get the groups back up and running properly following the disruption from the Covid lockdown.

We will work with young people to understand the particular risks and challenges they face, working with youth councils and voluntary groups. I will also focus on helping young people understand how they can support the communities that they live in, through engaging in positive activity such as the Fire Breaks sessions on what it means to be a firefighter, and through Police and Fire Cadets. The government has pledged £500m investment into youth services, and I will work to make sure that delivers for young people in Essex.