Volunteers praised for supporting police scrutiny and community safety
Volunteers who give their time to support the work of policing and community safety across Nottinghamshire have been celebrated at a special appreciation event.
The event, organised by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Nottinghamshire during Volunteer Week, brought together volunteers from a range of schemes, including Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs), the Independent Community Scrutiny Panel (ICSP), and Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) Ambassadors.
Held at Nottinghamshire Police Headquarters, the event featured presentations from OPCC and Violence Reduction Partnership staff and certificate presentations to volunteers to say thank you for their contributions.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angela Kandola, who attended the event alongside Temporary Chief Constable Steve Cooper, praised the dedication and community spirit of those involved.
“Our volunteers give their time, energy and passion to help ensure fairness, accountability, and public confidence in policing. Whether it’s inspecting custody suites, scrutinising police powers, or acting as a voice for young people, their work is absolutely vital—and it doesn’t go unnoticed,” she said.
“This event was a chance to say a sincere thank you. It was wonderful to hear first-hand what drives each of them to be involved, and to celebrate the difference they are making right across Nottinghamshire.”
Among those recognised was Roy Fairbairn, a long-serving member of the Independent Custody Visiting scheme, which ensures that people in custody are treated fairly and in accordance with the law.
Innocent or not, what and why and who is not our concern, just their rights and condition of detention.”
“The public I speak to are pleasantly surprised an ICV system exists and seems to have a positive result regarding the Police and Custody attitudes.”
Also in attendance was Councillor Richard MacRae, who serves as a Violence Reduction Partnership Ambassador.
“Being an Ambassador for the Violence Reduction Partnership is a role I take great pride in. It’s not just a title—it’s a responsibility and a commitment to our communities, especially to the younger generation.
Through this role, I have the opportunity to attend a wide range of meetings and events. These are not just about speaking—they're about listening.
“Listening to others’ experiences, concerns, and ideas is just as important as having a voice at the table.
“I believe that every conversation is a chance to learn, to grow, and to find better ways of supporting those around us.”
Dionne Rose, Chair of the Independent Community Scrutiny Panel, also reflected on the value of her role.
“I enjoy having the opportunity to chair a collaborative meeting with Senior Officers and the OPCC holding the Police to account for stop and search and use of force on the public.”
Volunteers were presented with certificates by senior representatives from the OPCC and Nottinghamshire Police to mark their contributions.
Temporary Chief Constable Steve Cooper also expressed his gratitude on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police during the event and presented certificates to police volunteers.
The OPCC supports a range of volunteer-led schemes designed to uphold fairness, transparency and community engagement in policing and community safety.
From custody visitors to scrutiny panel members and community ambassadors, these roles help ensure the voices of local people are represented in decisions that affect them.