A total of 66 volunteers are now employed by Isle of Man Constabulary, in addition to 40 Special Constables. Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw said: ‘The Department is grateful to the public’s enthusiasm and willingness to give their time to support the work of our police. Other divisions also benefit from volunteers, notably Civil Defence, but the recent recruitment of police volunteers this summer will make a significant contribution to the efficiency of the police force. ‘Volunteers are not put on frontline operations but some help keep police stations open at night. They work with officers and support staff by assisting with the administrative burden and record keeping necessary in a modern police force that enables our police officers to spend more time on frontline duties. ‘This is not policing on the cheap but administration at no cost to the taxpayer. We are fortunate that volunteers have the skills and the time to make a difference. They are a real asset to the community and, along with Special Constables, give their time either directly or indirectly to help keep people safe.’ The latest recruitment of police volunteers this summer saw 26 taken on to boost 40 recruited in 2006 and 2008. The volunteers assist regular staff across a number of different areas such as clerical support in Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Roads Policing Unit, analytical assistance in Neighbourhood Support Teams (CID), and general administration in all support departments including Human Resources, registry and records. Work is already being undertaken to use the new volunteers in areas such as Public Protection Unit and Scientific Support Unit and Analysts Department. Superintendent Paul Cubbon co-ordinates the volunteer work force. He explained: ‘Hours vary depending on people’s personal circumstances. Some volunteers give us a couple of hours per week, others do not far off a 40 hour week. In the latest intake we looked for specialist skills, particularly analytical skills and IT. I think every department is now benefiting from the assistance of a volunteer. ‘Additionally, we have around 40 operational Special Constables who regularly turn out and give their time to frontline policing. They have mandatory training in law, personal safety and first aid and are indistinguishable from regular officers to meet public expectation to deal with incidents effectively and efficiently along with their regular colleagues.’ The Isle of Man Constabulary has 236 officers under Chief Constable Mike Langdon, 55 support staff, 45 Special Constables and 66 community volunteers. Ends