Over the last seven days, the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) joined organisations across the country to celebrate, support and recognise the fantastic contribution of volunteers to our communities. Police volunteers are at the heart of the UK’s policing. We spoke to Volunteer Police Cadet Leader, Sam Roberts, who joined the PFEW as Learning Specialist after serving for 30 years as a police officer, about their role and experience.

 “I became a Volunteer Police Cadet Leader 3 years ago and run a unit based in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, with approximately 20 cadets – young people aged between 13 and 18 years of age. After 30 years as a police officer, I became a volunteer as I wanted to give something back to society and working with young people, and hopefully inspiring them, is something I have always enjoyed.

 “Being a cadet enables them to see policing from the inside and have an insight into the numerous roles and opportunities for them if they decided policing is for them in the future.

 “These young people may be the police constables of the future and knowing I played a part in sparking their interest in policing gives me the only payback I need. I have two former cadets who are now police officers and are doing so well in their careers and I feel very proud of them.”

Sam is one of the thousands of police volunteers who devote their time to bolster policing operations and initiatives. As National Volunteers’ Week draws to an end, the Federation would like to thank all police volunteers – special constables, police support volunteers and volunteer police cadets, for providing indispensable support to 43 police forces in England and Wales. We truly appreciate their continued commitment to keeping our communities safe.