Police in Porthmadog and Pwllheli have launched a recruitment drive for volunteers to help staff the front counter of the local police stations.
Police Volunteers are members of the community who give their time freely to undertake additional duties and activities to those currently performed by the extended policing family, adding great value to services already provided.
Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Steve Edge said: “Community volunteers have been helping out for a number of years, which has allowed officers more time to patrol their area.
“We are currently looking for people from a wide range of backgrounds and sections of the community to assist us. Full training is given, initially shadowing a full-time station duty officer and then an experienced volunteer.”
One of the longest-serving volunteers in the district is Doreen Dibben, who has been helping out at Porthmadog Police Station for almost four years.
The 63-year-old who is from Pwllheli first became interested in joining as a volunteer when she visited the National Eisteddfod at Faenol back in 2005 where the force were launching a recruitment campaign for volunteers. She said: “I’m a widower and decided that I wanted to volunteer for something different and interesting.
“I was brought up in a police family as my brother was a Chief Superintendent in the Midlands and so I’ve always had an interest in policing.
“I currently cover the front desk at Porthmadog Police Station every Thursday and I absolutely love it. I use the skills that I’ve developed over the years and I implement them in the workplace. The days are varied and I help out with the banking, stops notices, lost and found and general station assistant duties.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for people who have retired and who still want to be part of the community. I find the role extremely rewarding and as I’m a widower and live alone I needed something to give me a new lease of life.”
Doreen is an extremely busy lady – not only is she a grandmother and helps out with taking her granddaughter to school, she is also involved with Girl Guiding and helps out with five to ten-year-olds with the Criccieth ‘Rainbows and Brownies’. Doreen is also registered as disabled but that hasn’t stopped her from becoming a volunteer. She added: “I’ve always been active but instead of sitting back and doing nothing I’m not allowing my health problems to beat me.
“In the past I’ve felt as though I was past my prime and that nobody would want me but now I feel useful and would encourage anyone else who is in a similar position to give it a go.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be given this opportunity and I would encourage anyone who wants to be a part of their community to volunteer.”
Sergeant Steve Edge said: “Doreen is a valued member of the District team here in Porthmadog and we feel lucky to have her. Her contribution is very much appreciated and she plays an important role with assisting officers and staff. The same is true of the other Volunteer’s in the District who give their time to provide an important support role to the Policing team.”
If you feel you can assist in this important role to support your community please contact Sergeant Fiona Armstrong-Brown on 01492 805448 or email – [email protected]
Alternatively contact Sergeant Steve Edge at Porthmadog Police Station on 101.
North Wales Police currently have 80 volunteers working across the force area.
North Wales Police is an equal opportunities employer and is totally committed to the principles of equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Indeed, to ensure our service is fully representative of the communities it serves we welcome applications from under represented groups particularly fluent Welsh speakers.
