Constabulary’s volunteers celebrated at annual awards ceremony

Hertfordshire Constabulary celebrated the hard work and dedication of its Police Support Volunteers (PSV) during its annual Citizens in Policing Awards.

The ceremony was held at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City last night (Thursday 23 May) and saw volunteers come together with family, friends, police officers and staff to mark another incredible 12 months.

The constabulary currently has around 160 PSVs, who work in various different roles across the county.

Between them, they have contributed to around 15,000 volunteering hours over the past year.

These include role play volunteers, members of the RAPPAW scheme, Historical Society volunteers and Safer Neighbourhood Team support volunteers, as well as Special Constables and Volunteer Police Cadets and leaders.

Their support means that officers’ time is freed up to focus on frontline duties and that additional support is available for victims.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “This was a fantastic evening to celebrate the important contributions our volunteers make. Their unwavering commitment to helping the constabulary is truly remarkable and I’d like to thank everyone who selflessly offers their time to support us.

“Congratulations to all the nominees and winners for everything they do to support our teams and our local communities. We are extremely grateful to have you as part of our police family.”

The evening started with an overview of some of the great work the volunteers have undertaken, before long service award presentations were made to those who had served two and five years respectively.

The category winners were then announced and were presented with their awards by Chief Constable Charlie Hall and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jonathan Ash-Edwards

The winners on the evening were as follows:

Exceptional Service Award – Jean Starkey
This award is in recognition of the tremendous contribution Jean has made to the constabulary, who started volunteering in 2013. Jean was a member of police staff for over 40 years and provides invaluable experience, knowledge and expertise to each of her volunteering roles. Jean has helped the St Albans and Harpenden cadet unit and has previously supported the Special Constabulary and the Welwyn & Hatfield Neighbourhood Teams.

The RAPPAW Partners of the Year Award - Hannah Davidson and dog Poppy
The RAPPAW team is made up of volunteers and their trusty four-legged companions, who provide after-care and support to vulnerable witnesses and victims of crime, to help them feel more at ease and restore their trust and confidence.
Hannah has been volunteering with the RAPPAW scheme since August 2017 and her tremendous enthusiasm has never waned. Hannah juggles her volunteering responsibilities alongside her very busy day job as a member of police staff.

Exceptional Team Contribution to the Mini Police Scheme – RAPPAW Team (countywide)
Mini Police is a fun and interactive programme designed for children aged between nine and 11. It aims to build trust with communities, promote responsible citizenship and help young people establish an interest and understanding in policing and community safety. Over the past year, the RAPPAW team have helped young people build trust and confidence in the police.

Exceptional Individual Contribution to the Mini Police Scheme – PCSO Neil Carter (Watford)
PCSO Neil Carter from the Children and Young People Team has demonstrated a contagious enthusiasm which has kept the children engaged, excited and keen to interact whilst making the lessons fun and relevant.

Cadet Unit Achievement Award – Watford Cadet Unit
The Volunteer Police Cadet programme is open to anyone aged between 13 and 18 who lives or goes to school in Hertfordshire. As well as learning about police procedures and the law, cadets have the opportunity to work alongside local officers and play a vital role in community events and social action projects, engaging with members of the public and educating them on crime prevention.
This award recognises the significant contributions the cadet group has made in a short period of time since they established the unit in September 2023.

Cadet of the Year – Carmine Cesario (Broxbourne and Cheshunt)
This award recognises a cadet who has contributed positively to their unit throughout the year and is a great ambassador for the cadets.

Young Cadet Leader of the Year – PC Isabelle Murray (Bishop’s Stortford)
This award recognises a cadet who has made a successful transition into being a young leader and has made a valuable contribution to their unit.

Cadet Leader of the Year – PCSO Jade Penny (Broxbourne and Cheshunt)
This award recognises a cadet leader who has shown outstanding dedication and commitment to the development of their unit and been an inspirational role model.

Volunteer of the Year – Alan Clarke and the constabulary’s Chaplain Team (joint winners)
This award is in recognition of the important contributions they have made, which has helped the constabulary throughout the year.

If you’d like to become a volunteer, or would like to find out more, please email the volunteers team

For more information about the Special Constabulary, including how to apply. 

If your employer registers with our Employer Supported Policing scheme, you could be eligible for paid or unpaid leave to carry out some of your Special duties. Find out more on the website or email.