Volunteering opportunities as team visits Shetland

Police Scotland’s volunteer team will be in Shetland this coming week encouraging people of all ages to give something back to their local community.

Police Scotland’s volunteer unit will be visiting a variety of different locations across the island from Friday (August 26, 2022) to promote our Special Constabulary and provide all the information you need to join our part-time body of voluntary officers. We are also encouraging local businesses and organisations to sign up to our Employer Supported Policing scheme, a partnership between employers, their staff and the Police where staff are granted time to train as Special Constables (SPCs).

This week is also very special as Police Scotland will be launching Shetland’s first ever Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) group, a brilliant opportunity for young people aged between 13 and 17 to volunteer in their communities and promote ways to make their community safer, all while gaining an insight into policing.

Chief Inspector Stuart Clemenson, Shetland’s area commander, said: “Police Scotland’s volunteers are a vital asset, working alongside regular Police officers and staff to keep our communities safe. As a SPC you support local policing teams in your spare time – forging strong partnerships in the community, patrolling our streets, preventing crime, and keeping your local area safe. Anyone is eligible to apply as long as they satisfy some basic requirements, but ultimately we are looking for people who want to make a real difference and can bring a fresh perspective to the team they work.

“I am also delighted that Shetland’s very first PSYV team is being launched this week, a fantastic opportunity for young people to really make a difference in their communities. You don’t need to be interested in a career in policing to sign up - it’s an opportunity unlike any other where you can gain confidence, new skills and get the chance to help people in need or make their life better.

“Currently we have four SPCs on Shetland and I would be delighted if more members of our community joined us and put their skills and local knowledge to good use. I would urge anyone who is interested in volunteering with PS - whether as a Special Constable, youth volunteer or as an employer signing up to the ESP scheme – to attend one of our events, speak to the volunteer team which is being led by Sergeant Claire Coleman and find out more about what would be a life changing opportunity.”