Federation praise for volunteering officers

23 June 2021

Almost 90 per cent of police officers have been doing voluntary or fund-raising work alongside their duties throughout the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey.

Research carried out for today’s Public Service Day by Boundless - a membership club for civil service and public sector workers – revealed 88 per cent of those polled had either volunteered or raised money during the Covid crisis.

Officers who responded were also found to have raised an amazing £13,817 per person for charity during the course of their career.

Hertfordshire Police Federation secretary Al Wollaston paid tribute to selfless officers who volunteered to get involved with community initiatives during the pandemic. 

He said: “The results of this survey show that police officers are decent, caring people who are always keen to get involved with voluntary work and fund-raising.

“They became police officers to protect and serve their communities and many see volunteering as an extension of that.

“The fact that they have stepped up and continued to do while policing under the unprecedented pressures of the coronavirus pandemic speaks volumes about their selflessness and willingness to help out whenever and wherever they can.”

The survey findings were described as ‘fantastic’ by Police Federation chair John Apter.

He said: “Police officers are humble people who do not really want to have the spotlight shone on them. However, I think it is really important we celebrate our colleagues and the difference they make to society both on and off duty.”

Boundless director Darren Milton also paid tribute, adding: “If we didn’t know already just how special the people who work in the police service are, these survey results really underline it.”

The research was conducted for Boundless by Opinion Matters and involved 2,048 employed respondents.

Other survey findings detailed the main voluntary activities supported by police officers and service employees during the pandemic. 

These included: 
· Donating items - 29 per cent
· Organising fund-raising events - 25 per cent
· Delivering meals or items to underprivileged/vulnerable people - 22 per cent
· Organising virtual quiz nights - 16 per cent
· Online counselling -12 per cent
· Producing and sharing information about Covid - 10 per cent
· Taking part in sponsored walks or runs - 10 per cent
· Making or donating PPE - 10 per cent.