This month 20 college volunteers will begin work with Leicestershire Police in order to support officers and staff on tackling local priorities.

Students on the Uniformed Public Services course at Leicester College will dedicate four hours each week to local officers and staff offering support both on patrol and behind the scenes on crime prevention campaigns.

Assistant Chief Constable Phil Kay welcomed the students to the Force at Leicester College on Wednesday (15 April).

He said: “I get excited about going to work every day; knowing I’m making a positive contribution, so I’m proud to see the students at Leicester College who share that enthusiasm and want to help keep people safe. It’s a privilege to welcome them to the policing family and I wish them luck as they progress both professionally and personally.”

The Force welcomed the first cohort of student volunteers in September 2014 in partnership with Loughborough College and has now extended the partnership to Leicester College in line with the Volunteers in Policing programme.

Dina Patel, Work Experience/Progression Co-ordinator at Leicester College said: “We are really looking forward to coming on board with Leicestershire Police. Giving students this unique opportunity to volunteer in the public service sector is something that will shape their future for the better and give them the skills and opportunities they wouldn’t be able to get elsewhere.”

The students will be completing a workbook to log their hours supporting police officers and the practical experiences they are gaining which will support them in the progression of the course.

Many of the students on the course plan to pursue a career in the police. Katelin Thomson, 17, said: “I’m excited but a little nervous as I don’t know what to expect. I’m looking forward to a career as a police officer especially dealing with crime, being part of a team and attending emergencies.”

Leicester College student Joseph Kilby, 19, is no stranger to volunteering having previously helped out at young persons’ groups. He said: “I’m really looking forward to supporting the work Leicestershire Police do as it is what I want to do in the future. After college, I plan to extend my volunteering and become a Special Constable; I want to be able to help the community and make a difference.”

The introduction of a new cohort is in line with the Police and Crime Commissioners aim to reach 1,000 Leicestershire Volunteers in Policing by 2017.