Volunteer 4x4 responders to assist police force

The accredited police volunteers from Devon and Cornwall 4x4 Response have been given limited police powers

A team of volunteers in 4x4 response vehicles has been given limited police powers to assist Devon and Cornwall Police.

The accredited police volunteers, from the charity Devon and Cornwall 4x4 Response, are carefully vetted and have limited powers to assist police with road closures, the force said.

Insp Tony Hannaford, who heads up Devon and Cornwall Police's roads policing team, said it was hoped the volunteers would relieve pressure on uniformed officers, enabling them to attend other emergencies.

He said the police force was "stretched" and resourcing was "always a challenge".

Mr Hannaford said the volunteers would be present at incidents like collisions on the roads, and fallen trees and power lines - where they would monitor and enforce road closures.

The roads policing inspector said the initiative would mean uniformed officers could then focus on things like collision investigations.

He added: "It's probably no secret that like every other public service, we're stretched, resourcing is always a challenge.

"Is it a good use of police time to have somebody sat there by a tree that's down, when we have an army of volunteers that are really keen to assist us and help us out?"

It is hoped the pilot scheme will help to free up uniformed officers to be able to respond to other emergencies

Roger Gowing, chair of trustees for Devon and Cornwall 4x4 Response, said the charity had been running since 2009.

He said they had supported things like the Ten Tors Challenge and carnivals, but said the charity's main purpose was to provide logistical support for the blue light services.

Mr Gowing said this initiative was "the first of its kind in the UK".

He said: "It's a pilot scheme, it's the first of its kind in the UK, so I think we're going to be watched by other forces by the sound of it.

"It's really just to help the police, to free up their resources for what they should be doing."