The Unsung Heroes of Policing: Devon & Cornwall Police Celebrate Vital Staff Roles

Devon & Cornwall Police are marking the National Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition from Monday 3rd March to Sunday 9th March, shining a spotlight on the crucial contributions of police staff who help keep communities safe.

Nearly 40% of the Force Are Police Staff

While police officers are often seen as the face of policing, 38.7% of the workforce in Devon and Cornwall is made up of police staff. These professionals work in specialist roles such as Detention Officers, Staff Investigators, and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), as well as behind the scenes to improve the overall effectiveness of the organisation.

Chief Constable James Vaughan highlighted the vital role police staff play, stating:

“There is often a misconception that police officers make up the entire force as they are the face of policing. But the truth is, the work done to prevent crime and bring offenders to justice is not only done by police officers, but our police staff too.”

Beyond the Front Line: The Work of Police Staff

From answering emergency calls and taking fingerprints and DNA at crime scenes to analysing crime patterns, recruiting officers, managing IT systems, and even ensuring that police employees get paid, staff members are a key part of the force.

James added:

“There are a significant number of staff with a multitude of skills, experience and special expertise that support our officers… Police staff play an integral role in a fully functioning police force.”

Recognising Police Staff on Social Media

Throughout the week, Devon & Cornwall Police will be sharing police staff case studies on their social media channels to showcase their contributions. The campaign will also feature as part of the wider National Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition, using the hashtag #CelebratingPoliceStaff.

The force hopes this recognition will raise awareness of the importance of staff roles and encourage more people to consider a career in policing.