An update from Durham Police and Crime Commissioner... Volunteers Help Build Safer, Stronger and More Resilient Communities.

As Volunteers’ Week was celebrated last week across the country, it offers a chance to recognise the remarkable people who freely give their time, skills and experience to support others and strengthen their communities.

As Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, I work alongside many volunteers whose dedication helps deliver my vision of safer, stronger and more resilient places.

When we think about community safety, we often picture police officers, emergency services and public agencies. Yet every day, volunteers help prevent crime, deter offending, identify risks, support victims, strengthen neighbourhoods and sometimes help bring offenders to justice.

Long before modern policing, communities knew safety was a shared responsibility, working together to protect one another, raise the alarm when crime occurred and pursue those responsible.

One of County Durham’s most striking examples is the Weardale Association for the Prosecution of Felons, which has met for more than 200 years.

Formed on 29 July 1820, nearly a decade before the Metropolitan Police, residents pooled resources to investigate offences, pursue offenders and share prosecution costs.

At a time without an organised police service, communities took responsibility for protecting neighbours and upholding justice, and remarkably the association still meets each year today.

Although society and policing have changed dramatically, the principle endures: safer communities are built when local people play an active role alongside public services.

Across County Durham and Darlington, volunteers continue this proud tradition every day through a wide range of roles that support prevention, engagement and justice.

Special Constables contribute thousands of hours to frontline policing, providing visibility that deters crime and reassures the public, while Community Speedwatch volunteers identify hotspots and promote safer driving.

Neighbourhood Watch schemes build vigilance and resilience, Independent Custody Visitors protect detainees’ rights and welfare, and Independent Advisory Group members offer insight that strengthens trust and confidence in policing.

Volunteer magistrates play a vital role, making decisions on behalf of the public and helping ensure offenders are held accountable within the justice system.

I am also grateful to those who serve on scrutiny panels, ethics committees and advisory groups, whose independent challenge helps hold Durham Constabulary to account and ensures local voices are heard.

Together, these volunteers contribute across the whole spectrum of community safety, helping prevent crime, deter offending, identify emerging issues, support investigations and ensure justice for victims and communities.

At a time of increasing pressure on public services, volunteers bring something beyond financial value: local knowledge, lived experience, commitment and a genuine desire to improve the places where they live.

I want to thank every volunteer across County Durham and Darlington for the difference they make, today and every day.

From members of the Weardale Association more than two centuries ago to today’s Special Constables, magistrates, custody visitors, Speedwatch volunteers, Neighbourhood Watch coordinators and panel members, there is a shared thread of service.

Their contribution is invaluable, helping to prevent crime, protect the vulnerable, bring offenders to justice and build safer, stronger and more resilient communities for future generations.

Volunteers’ Week is therefore not only a celebration but a reminder that everyone has a role to play. By giving time, sharing knowledge or simply looking out for one another, we can all contribute to safer communities, continuing a proud history of civic responsibility that remains just as important today as it was more than 200 years ago for future generations to benefit.