A POLICE volunteer programme is being rolled out across East Cornwall to get the public involved in tackling issues in their community such as speeding and crime reduction.

Schemes implemented in Devon and Cornwall have been so successful that they are being expanded across the force area and community-spirited members of the community over the age of 16 are being asked to sign up.

Callington sergeant Brett Phillips said the police volunteer programme (PVP) was not there to replace police officers, it was an ancillary service to the police.

'It is totally voluntary, there are no additional powers and no uniform but they will be regarded as part of the wider police family,' he said.

Police volunteers can help with a variety of work, but in Callington speed monitoring and CCTV monitoring are high priorities.

Sgt Phillips said there had been some criticisms about the current CCTV monitoring for Callington which took place in Liskeard.

'Some of the incidents that have happened in Callington have not been picked up immediately.

'At the moment it is monitored centrally. We feel if we had the benefit of someone with local knowledge who would be responsible for monitoring Callington alone we would have a better service.'

Sgt Lynden Hughes who has been running the PVP scheme in Bude explained how the programme had been so successful in the town.

He said: 'The introduction of community volunteers in Bude has been instrumental in driving down levels of anti-social behaviour and increasing community safety in our area.

'Our volunteers are involved with Community Speed Watch and monitoring our Community CCTV Project.

'The police volunteer programme allows us to make use of the strong volunteer culture that we are so lucky to have in our communities throughout Cornwall.

'The public want to, and are keen to, help with the issues affecting their community —

The PVP programme allows them to make a fantastic contribution in achieving our common goals.'

Any volunteers have to be of previous good character and undergo a strict vetting process on the same level as candidates wishing to become a police officer. They also have to be medically fit but there is no upper age limit.

There is a commitment of between two and ten hours a week and travelling expenses will be paid.

'We are looking to use PVs in the PACT process (Police and Communities Together) and for leaflet drops and community action days to do with crime prevention,' said Sgt Phillips.

'We are looking for community spirited individuals who want to give something back to the police.'

Anyone interested in becoming a police volunteer in Callington, Gunnislake or Calstock should call into Callington Police Station or call Sgt Phillips on 08452 777444.