As a part of National Volunteers’ Week, dedicated volunteers whose “selfless commitment strengthens our communities and enhances public trust in policing” were thanked at an event at Kempston Police Headquarters last week (7 June).
From neighbourhood and speed watch to the vital work of independent custody visitors and restorative justice volunteers, individuals give their time and compassion to make Bedfordshire safer, more transparent, and more inclusive for all.
John Tizard (Labour), Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, said: “Volunteering and community activism play a vital role in contributing to community wellbeing, community cohesion and community safety. Everyone in Bedfordshire benefits from the cadre of volunteers
“We owe them a massive thank you. We should never stop thanking them; that is not enough. We must support them with training and other support. We must listen to and act on their recommendations based on their experience and expertise.”
Supporting fairness and transparency
Among those recognised were independent custody visitors (ICVs), a group of 28 trained volunteers who made more than 450 visits to detainees at Kempston and Luton custody suites over the past year. Stephen O’Connor, lead ICV, was commended for his organisational leadership.
The Independent Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel (ICDSP), established in November 2023, has 12 active members from diverse backgrounds, including students, former magistrates, and mental health professionals.
The panel has reviewed 40 custody records in the last three quarters, with a focus on safeguarding young people.
Kayleigh Dean, a member of Bedfordshire police’s ICDSP said, “It’s been great volunteering for Bedfordshire Police’s ICDSP Panel. We have had amazing support and feedback from Custody.
“It is great to feel part of something meaningful and help to make positive future changes.”
Community-driven oversight
The Stop and Search and Use of Force Community Scrutiny Panel has also made significant progress, reviewing 55 body-worn video cases in the past year.
The panel updated its terms of reference, introduced a new data-focused panel, and expanded its oversight to include vehicle stops. Chair Phil Dickson-Earle and vice chairs Simon and Kim Taylor were thanked for their leadership.
Phil Dickson-Earle, a member of the stop and search and Use of force scrutiny panel, said: “By dedicating a few hours each week and drawing from my own lived experiences, I get to support a cause that is close to my heart.
“Having been a member since the early stages of this journey, I have witnessed the progress, growth, and effectiveness of the ‘Stop and Search’ and ‘Use of Force’ scrutiny panels.
Restorative justice in action
Longstanding volunteer Sue Brown, who has supported restorative justice since 2018, was recognised for her work on some of the county’s most complex cases, including those involving domestic homicide and death by dangerous driving.
She was told her work “underscores the importance of restorative justice in fostering healing and reconciliation”.
Phil Dickson-Earle added, “It is incredibly rewarding to be part of this potentially transformative work for our community. I invite others to join us and make a difference together.”
