Police officers go above and beyond during Covid pandemic

POLICE officers have gone over and above the call of duty during the pandemic, working all hours and then carrying out voluntary roles on the side.

A survey found that almost nine out of 10 police officers have done additional voluntary work or fundraised during the pandemic on top of their duties.

Research carried out for Public Service Day by Boundless – a membership club for civil service and public sector workers – revealed 88 per cent either volunteered or raised money during the COVID crisis.

Officers who were polled were also found to have raised an impressive £13,817 per person for charity during the course of their career.

Police officers and staff across the nation have driven ambulances, delivered meals to vulnerable people, made or donated PPE and organised fundraising events as part of the Covid fight – among other projects.

Zoë Wakefield, Hampshire Police Federation Chair, said: “It doesn’t surprise me that officers have made all these efforts. Generally police officers are that type of person. Most people join the police because they want to help other people so it’s natural that they want to contribute.”

An inspector from the force and a former Fed Representative who retired last year went on to manage one of the Covid vaccine centres in Hampshire.

Zoë added: “It’s all hands to the pump. It’s just the type of people that police officers are – they will always help others whether they’re on duty or off duty, paid or voluntary.”

The survey findings for Public Service Day on Wednesday 23 June were described as ‘fantastic’ by John Apter, Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales.

He said: “This is fantastic to see but doesn’t come as a surprise to me. Police officers and staff are by their very nature decent caring people, and I personally know many who support great initiatives in their spare time.

“Police officers are humble people who do not really want to have the spotlight shone on them. However, I think it is really important we celebrate our colleagues and the difference they make to society both on and off duty.”