Herts Police and Crime Commissioner deploys 'army' of volunteers to help during coronavirus lockdown

The new group has been drawn from volunteers the Commissioner’s office already uses to carry out other duties, who have been police vetted.

Now a small army of individuals have stepped forward to help out during the crisis and provide services for some of the most vulnerable in the community.

They are being used to collect and deliver prescriptions for high risk residents in Hertfordshire with pre-existing medical conditions who have been advised to take extra care under the government’s Operation Shield.

There are 28,000 especially vulnerable residents in the county, with at least 1,500 who do not have access to family or friends to get supplies for them.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd said: “Our volunteers can fulfil a crucial role, as they area already police vetted for the other work they undertake for our office. They can operate as trusted volunteers by those who may be weary of accepting help from strangers.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers, including two members of staff from my office, who are going out of their way to ensure others do not go without.

“We are gearing up for the short to medium term as this sort of assistance may be required for some time, but so far the response for extra help has been excellent.”

The volunteers have already begun running errands by working in partnership with those from the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Duties normally undertaken by the trusted volunteers include monitoring speeding, visiting those in police custody to check on their well-being and scrutinising the Stop and Search policies of Hertfordshire Police.

So far the 39 volunteers are made up by 16 Police Support Volunteers, 12 from the Independent Custody Volunteers, seven from the DriveSafe scheme, two from Stop and Search and two staff from the OPCC office

Those in need, who had a letter from the Government advising them not to venture out due to their illness or particular vulnerability, should call the phone number on the communication to get help in Hertfordshire.

If you have any queries, please visit our website for more information at www.hertscommissioner.org/coronavirus.