Volunteer has an ear for helping

Jill Hipson, 53, from Berkhamsted, has been a volunteer for the force for four years.

Her primary role has been to assist the constabulary in breaking down the barriers of communication within the deaf community.

She has worked extensively with the management of custody so that information can be easily understandable to a deaf person.

And among her many achievements, Jill’s work has prompted a revamp of the rights and entitlements paperwork which is provided to prisoners when they enter custody.

Chief Inspector Stuart 
Orton said: “I am very grateful 
to all our police support 
volunteers, who, have already contributed more than 7,000 volunteering hours this year.

“Our volunteers represent the support the community provides to keep people safe, reduce crime and catch criminals.”

Jill was one of a number of police volunteers recognised as part of National Volunteers’ Week.

Other staff who were 
recognised included 76-year-old Zia Qadeer who won the Volunteering Commitment 
Award for volunteering 
thousands of hours at the force’s tape library, 15-year-old Jamie Head who was 
Cadet Of The Year, and 
Victoria Baker and Gary 
Stevens who were named joint winners of the Special 
Constable Student Officer of the Year award.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd said: “These awards have been made to recognise the work of volunteers in helping to keep Hertfordshire safe.

“Their stories show that whatever your interest, skill‐set or experience you can play your part in Hertfordshire.”