Police officers go over and above call of duty during Covid-19 pandemic

POLICE officers have gone over and above the call of duty during the Covid-19 pandemic, working all hours and then carrying out voluntary roles on the side.

A survey found that almost nine out of 10 police officers have done additional voluntary work or fundraised during the pandemic on top of their duties.

Research carried out for Public Service Day by Boundless – a membership club for civil service and public sector workers – revealed 88 per cent either volunteered or raised money during the COVID crisis.

Officers who were polled were also found to have raised an impressive £13,817 per person for charity during the course of their career.

Police officers and staff across the nation have driven ambulances, delivered meals to vulnerable people, made or donated PPE and organised fundraising events as part of the Covid fight – among other projects.

Steve Kent, South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair, said: “This goes to show that officers are always happy to go that extra mile. We’ve had very little push back from officers in terms of having to work those extra hours, sometimes finishing really late during this pandemic, because they’ve just gone at it like they always do through times of crisis.

“You see the very best of our police officers when there are difficult times. They always come out and get on with the job as best as they possibly can. I think really it’s a credit to them that they’ve supported our colleagues in the NHS throughout this, whilst being on duty.”

The survey findings for Public Service Day on Wednesday 23 June were described as ‘fantastic’ by John Apter, Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales.

He said: “This is fantastic to see but doesn’t come as a surprise to me. Police officers and staff are by their very nature decent caring people, and I personally know many who support great initiatives in their spare time.

“Police officers are humble people who do not really want to have the spotlight shone on them. However, I think it is really important we celebrate our colleagues and the difference they make to society both on and off duty.”