Cumbria Police is marking National Volunteers’ Week by recognising the invaluable contribution of its volunteers, including Police Support Volunteers (PSVs), Special Constables (volunteer police officers), cadets and cadet leaders. Together, they generously give their time to support the force and help keep communities across Cumbria safe.
Over the past year, a team of 31 Special Constables has contributed more than 10,100 hours. They have supported both response and neighbourhood policing teams and played a key role in policing major events across the county, including Appleby Horse Fair, festivals and race meetings.
On 19 and 20 March 2026, the University of Cumbria hosted its annual major incident exercise. The event brought together students studying Policing, Criminology, Forensics and Paramedicine, alongside Pears Cumbria School of Medicine students and representatives from Cumbria Constabulary’s Special Constabulary.
The exercise was designed to mirror the demands and complexity of real-life emergency situations. Working within the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) framework, participants responded to a series of evolving, high-pressure incidents, making critical decisions and managing risk throughout.
Cumbria Police also work closely with young people across the county, with 76 cadets currently taking part in five command areas. They are supported by a dedicated team of 33 volunteer cadet leaders.
In addition, the force benefits from the support of 51 Police Support Volunteers, who contribute across a range of roles including the Rural Crime Team, Control Room and Mounted Support, among others.
Throughout the week, Cumbria Police will be showcasing the outstanding work of its volunteers across its social media channels.
Inspector Liz Salkeld from the Citizens in Policing team said:
“All of our volunteers play a vital role within Cumbria Constabulary and are essential in helping us deliver and enhance our service to communities.
“National Volunteers’ Week gives us a valuable opportunity to highlight their contributions, which often take place behind the scenes, and to say thank you.
“Time and again, I am inspired by the dedication of our volunteers who give their time so willingly to support others.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of our volunteers across all departments — your work truly makes a difference.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “I want to thank all police volunteers for their dedication to their roles within policing.
“The work of volunteers is invaluable and an integral part of our services. Simply put, volunteers add incredible value and worth to the policing of our county.
“As local residents, they know their patch better than anyone and they are trusted within their communities. Volunteers really do help keep our towns and villages safe.
This also continues a tradition going back to the creation of the modern police service, one of policing by consent. It recognises that, as Sir Robert Peel stated in 1836 - the police are the public and the public are the police.
“I would encourage anyone interested in volunteering to work with the Police to apply – together we can and will protect Cumbria.”
If you feel you could use your skills and experience to support Cumbria Police and make a positive impact in your community, there are a range of volunteering opportunities available.
For more information and to view current opportunities, visit:
Volunteers | Cumbria Police