Police volunteers are an important asset to communities and policing agencies but have been relatively understudied. Similar models of police volunteers have developed in the United States and the United Kingdom but these differ in the level of their preparedness and training. This current study utilises vignettes to examine the confidence of volunteer police officers from two agencies, one in the US and one in the UK. Results show that while both groups in the study are confident in their professional ability to handle issues at a policing scene, UK volunteer officers feel less confident about interviewing and administrative paperwork than their US counterparts.

The freeze and now gradual thaw on regular police officer recruitment has meant that the role of the volunteer police officer (or special constable), has become increasingly important to the police service. This pool of over 19,000 part-time volunteer police officers is viewed by many within the police service as a potential recruiting ground for new regular officers. A research study was conducted over six months following a group of new part-time volunteer police officers as they were first exposed to operational policing. The research utilised a range of methods to gather data on their initial and changing motivations and career aspirations. The research confirmed that the role is viewed by many of the volunteer police officers sampled as a means through which they may gain employment as regular police officers and generally their motivations to achieve this policing role are high. The part-time volunteers also reported using this experience to help them decide if a full-time policing career is for them.

PurposeAs the education of new police constables moves to degree level, this paper explores the introduction of Evidence-Based Policing (EBP) as a pillar of the evolution of the police service as a profession.Design/methodology/approachCombining a review of key literature and explorations of practice, the current situation, challenges, and benefits of the adoption of EBP as philosophy are explored.FindingsThe benefits to the police service and individuals of wholeheartedly adopting EBP are huge; however, such adoption does not come without challenges.Originality/valueThis paper provides a contemporary snapshot in relation to the process of embedding EBP across the new educational routes to joining the police service. The opportunities provided by adopting EBP as philosophy across the service will assist in supporting and strengthening the sustainability of policing locally, nationally, and internationally.

Volunteers within the police service are an understudied but invaluable area of policing, both in the UK and the USA. Although across England and Wales there are standardised policies governing the recruitment, training and deployment of volunteer police officers, across the United States there is no national standard for their use. As a result, research comparing and contrasting across these national boundaries is of value. This current study examines similarities and differences of two policing agencies, Cleveland Police in the North East of England, and the Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) in Florida, USA. Results show that while the agencies have similarities in employment status, gender and experience as a volunteer, OCSO volunteer deputies were older than their Cleveland counterparts, and were much more inclined to participate in volunteer policing because of their past experience as full-time regular police officers.

PurposeAs the police service across England and Wales moves towards degree-level study for new recruits as a component of recognising the profession of policing, this paper describes and discusses the introduction of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and the core skills of evidence-based policing (EBP) as an educational theme for solving work-based problems.Design/methodology/approachAuthored by both policing practitioners and researchers, this paper refers to key literature whilst exploring the implementation of the PCDA as a component of a Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). It highlights some of the challenges faced with its implementation along with the benefits of the adopting this degree-level education and work-based programme where EBP is embedded in to both study and professional practice.FindingsThere are significant benefits to the police service of adopting the PCDA as one of the entry routes for new police constables and embracing the educational development and professional application of EBP. However, this does not come without a number of challenges for the service and the professional body for policing.Originality/valueThis paper, co-authored by both policing practitioners and researchers, provides a contemporary view on the introduction of the PCDA as an initial entry route for new police constables and the embedding of EBP within both their learning and professional practice. As the first graduates complete their studies, the paper discusses the opportunities the adoption presents and the challenges it faces both locally and nationally.