Volunteers’ Week 2025: Celebrating the Power of Volunteering in Policing
As Volunteers’ Week 2025 is celebrated across the UK, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn is highlighting the invaluable contribution of volunteers who help shape and support policing across the Dyfed-Powys area.
Volunteers play a key role in ensuring that policing is open, transparent, and responsive to the needs of local communities. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) proudly coordinates six volunteer schemes, offering residents meaningful opportunities to make a difference.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said:
“Volunteers are an essential part of our policing family, their passion, dedication and independent insight help shape a more transparent and responsive police service. “They generously offer their time, making a significant difference, and I’m extremely grateful to each and every one of them.”
The OPCC currently supports six main volunteer schemes:
🔹 Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) Volunteers make unannounced visits to police custody suites to check on the rights, welfare, and treatment of detainees. Their observations ensure that custody is delivered fairly and in accordance with the law.
🔹 Animal Welfare Visitors These volunteers carry out regular checks on police dogs to ensure they are well cared for, healthy, and appropriately housed. The scheme promotes transparency in how working animals are treated.
🔹 Quality Assurance Panel (QAP) Members of the public review anonymised police records and body-worn footage to assess whether police powers are being used fairly and proportionately. Their feedback helps improve practice and accountability.
🔹 Victim Engagement Forum (VEF) This panel brings together people with lived experience of crime to provide feedback on support services and the wider criminal justice system. Their voices help shape improvements in victim care.
🔹 Youth Ambassadors Young people aged 14–25 work with the OPCC to represent youth views, promote awareness campaigns, and support events. The programme helps build confidence in the police and develops skills in active citizenship.
🔹 Independent Advisory Group (IAG) IAG members provide independent advice on how policing policies and practices affect local communities. The group acts as a critical friend, particularly in relation to equality, diversity, and community relations.
Each scheme gives members of the public a voice in policing, reinforcing the Commissioner’s commitment to community involvement, transparency, and continuous improvement.
“These schemes are about giving people the tools and the space to help shape the way policing is delivered,” the Commissioner added. “It’s about strengthening trust, sharing experiences, and improving outcomes together.”
To find out more about how you can get involved, visit the OPCC’s volunteering pages: 👉 Dyfed-Powys Police & Crime Commissioner
Today we’re celebrating the amazing volunteers who support policing across the Dyfed-Powys area 👏
From custody visiting to youth voice, your contributions are invaluable.
#VolunteersWeek2025
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said:
“Every volunteer contributes to a better, more open police service – and today is about saying thank you.”
Further information:
Article Date: 01/06/2024