Officers praised for voluntary work

23 June 2021

Police officers have been praised for volunteering after a survey revealed almost nine out of ten had carried out community work or fund-raising activities alongside their duties throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Research carried out for today’s Public Service Day by Boundless - a membership club for civil service and public sector workers – found 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.

Humberside Police Federation secretary Rob Grunner said: “The willingness of our members to roll their sleeves up and get involved with volunteering and fund-raising is really inspiring.

“These are men and women who have been working so hard throughout this pandemic and yet they have still found the time to get involved with community initiatives and charities.

“Police officers are decent, caring people and they are always ready to help out whenever and wherever they can.”

The survey findings were described as ‘fantastic’ by Police Federation national 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.