Volunteer drivers sought so police are free to use phone in the car

A POLICE force has appealed for unpaid volunteers to drive officers around so they can continue to use their mobile phones while on the move.

Avon and Somerset police has advertised for over-25s who have a clean driving licence and good knowledge of the Highway Code in order to help “relieve pressures on front-line officers”.

The job will involve 10-hour shifts, during which they will be expected to ferry officers around and undertake a variety of other car-based tasks.

Despite being unpaid, force bosses insist the benefits include having “an opportunity to use your driving skills for the benefit of policing” and “contributing directly to improving the effectiveness of police officer time”.

Volunteers will have access to a fully insured unmarked vehicle with a satnav and mobile phone.

Temporary Asst Chief Constable Steve Cullen said: “This scheme is all about embracing trusted members of the community who wish to participate in policing and maximising the amount of time officers and staff spent carrying out their core roles.

“We anticipate the volunteer drivers helping with things like collecting detainee medication or supporting officers in dropping them off and collecting them to conduct inquiries in busy settings such as Bristol city centre. Not only does this enable our officers to keep working on mobile devices whilst being driven but it will ensure that our cars are being used efficiently and not tied up all day for one appointment.”

It is hoped the scheme will help save the force money and will allow its front-line officers to remain as efficient as possible. Last year Chief Constable Andy Marsh wrote to the Government to complain that his force was at “tipping point” and could not face any further cuts to its budget.

But the force also came in for criticism after launching what was branded a “pointless gimmick” when it allowed officers to wear nail varnish in order to highlight an anti-slavery initiative.

The move comes as another force unveiled a so-called “dial a detective” scheme in which officers are encouraged to investigate offences without meeting victims face-to-face.

Staffordshire Police has set up the service because Chief Constable Gareth Morgan admitted he could not afford to have his officers dealing with every crime. Mr Morgan said the scheme would help his cash-strapped force be as efficient as possible.

He said: “We need to prioritise much better how we are dealing with limited resources, so we are choosing areas of things that don’t require an immediate response. Officers are now on the phone to members of the public, taking statements and dealing with their investigations.”