Chief constable salutes Queen's Award winners

Some of Greater Manchester Police’s Special Constabulary on parade

Greater Manchester Police’s Special Constabulary and Volunteer Police Cadets have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK.  

The award coincides with National Volunteers’ Week and sees the Greater Manchester people who volunteer their time to help support policing, engage with communities and keep people safe given the an award, the status of which is equivalent to an MBE.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) was established in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and is given for outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community, improving the quality of life and opportunity for others and providing an outstanding service.

GMP’s Specials and Cadets schemes see over 800 people (439 Specials and 384 cadets) volunteer thousands of hours each week across the city region.

Specials carry out a range of duties such as patrols in town centres or residential areas as part of neighbourhood policing, assisting with local police initiatives and taking part in community partnership projects.

Cadets (pictured above) support the Force by assisting vulnerable residents, supporting local policing teams at events such as The Manchester Marathon and fundraising for charities.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “All our volunteers are an invaluable and essential part of the Force.

"Our Special Constables and Volunteer Police Cadets are thoroughly deserving of the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and time that they dedicate to making Greater Manchester a happier and safer place to live.

“We all have a part to play in keeping our communities safe and it’s great to see members of the public so enthusiastic about doing so.

"I am tremendously proud of their contribution and would like to thank all of our volunteers who give up their spare time to support the Force.”