Nearly 400 volunteers who support Suffolk Constabulary were celebrated at a lunch thanking them for their service to the community.

The event at Police Headquarters at Martlesham Heath was put on to mark national Volunteers Week.

It saw 390 Specials, Police Staff Volunteers and Police Cadets acknowledged by Chief Constable Rachel Kearton and PCC Tim Passmore for all their hard work and valuable contributions they make to the organisation and to the Suffolk public.

In terms of figures, the Specials completed over 34,000 hours of voluntary policing in 2023 and for 2024 to the end of May they have, so far, contributed around ,9000 hours. In terms of Police Support Volunteers they totalled 11,000 hours in 2023 and so far this year just over 4,000 hours.

The mounted PSVs and Local Police Volunteers have continued to be the Constabulary's 'eyes and ears' in Suffolk local communities, ensuring their communities see a visual presence and supporting them in linking with their local policing teams.

The event was also an opportunity for those in attendance to meet with Suffolk Constabulary's new Special Chief Officer Ayman Al-Aride (pictured below) who was recently appointed to the role. The Suffolk Special Constabulary has recently undergone a review which has seen a new model emerge offering a different role structure which will ensure better integration and support to the regular force.

Ayman, who has chaired the governing bodies of three different schools as well chair of Haughley Football Club, joined Suffolk Constabulary as a Special in 2014.

Ayman is also a great supporter of grassroots football and is also assistant manager/coach of the Suffolk Constabulary women's football team as well as coaching year five and six school children.

Ayman said: "Throughout my tenure with Suffolk police, I have worked in various departments, from front-line duties to the Major Investigation Team (MIT).

"I see one of my key responsibilities is to ensure that both current and new officers, who generously volunteer their time for the constabulary, receive the best possible experience. My goal is to empower them to continue making a positive difference in our community."

Manager of Citizens in Policing, Karen Harris said: "My team and I always look forward to National Volunteers week every year, it is a great opportunity to mark the contribution all our volunteers make and is a great opportunity to say thank you to them.

"The volunteers really do represent the best of Suffolk with their time, enthusiasm, energy and life experience and wisdom they bring to their individual roles.

"We also cannot forget the families and friends of our volunteers – their support and patience they provide are crucial in allowing our volunteers to do what they do for our communities so we thank them as well."

Assistant Chief Constable Eamonn Bridger said: "I send my congratulations to Ayman on his appointment as Chief Officer - he was a strong candidate amongst tough competition and I know he will bring energy and passion for public service to the role. 

"The Specials are a much valued member of the Suffolk policing family and I thank them for all their commitment and hard work in what is voluntary role. It's also important to pass on my gratitude to all our volunteers, be it police staff or the Cadets, who support us in all the do with professionalism, compassion and strong sense of community."

Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk Tim Passmore said: "The contribution made by volunteers to policing in Suffolk is absolutely remarkable. Volunteers play a hugely important part in our policing family and we are indebted to each and every one of them for their unstinting commitment and enthusiasm.

"Every volunteer offers something significant whether they are Specials, Police Support Volunteers, Cadets or Custody Visitors.  I commission a large number of services relating to victims, crime prevention and other policing related matters each year and, in short, that commissioning work could not be delivered without the vast armies of volunteers who are mobilised by their desire to serve their communities.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who generously gives their time to help make Suffolk as safer place, we are very grateful."

For all the details of how you can volunteer for the voice please website. Volunteers | Suffolk Constabulary