USW’s unique police volunteer project

The University of South Wales (USW) has launched ‘Virtual Volunteering’, an online environment where users can engage in seeking a solution to policing problems.

Working closely with the South Wales Regional Organised Crime Unit, known as Tarian, and the All Wales Citizens in Policing Co-ordinator, the programme has been designed so that staff and students can access video presentations and modules to complete.

The ‘first of its kind’ programme addresses real problems faced by the police. It is not a consultation process, but provides an opportunity for creating public engagement, reassurance, and confidence in the police.

One of the issues that Tarian seek innovative solutions to is ‘Money Mules’, where students from China are particularly vulnerable to being coerced into allowing organised crime groups to access to their UK bank accounts. The ‘Money Mules’, and sometimes family members, have faced threats and incidents of violence. The police want to warn international students about this but traditional approaches, such as providing advisory leaflets or lectures, have been ineffective. Solutions can be submitted, by the volunteers, in various ways, such as TikTok videos, social media campaigns, or written proposals. Volunteers are invited to be as creative as they want to be.

The programme is open to students from across the University, engaging many different disciplines, such as psychology, criminology, childhood studies, computer science, accountancy, etc. This broad approach hopes to generate solutions from students with different expertise, backgrounds, ages, and cultures.

Dr Martin Wright, retired Police Officer and USW Visiting Fellow, said: “I volunteer with Dyfed Powys Police, so I understand that issues, such as vetting and access to police stations, create barriers for people to volunteer.

“We are living in a climate where there is mistrust of the police, particularly amongst young people, so we wanted to try and achieve two things. To create an environment whereby people could volunteer for the police easily, but also to engage positively with groups of individuals who would not normally engage.

“The volunteers receive a letter of appreciation from Tarian, upon completion, and they gain work experience that they can reflect upon in future job applications.

“In time, we intend to expand this to each of the three South Wales police forces.”

Denise Lodge, All Wales Citizens In Policing Co-Ordinator, said: “Volunteering provides a vital additionality across policing and actively contributes to many local policing priorities.

“It is key that our programmes continue to advance alongside modern times and remain an attractive and engaging volunteer opportunity which is why virtual volunteering is such an exciting development for us. For a volunteer, it offers greater flexibility and is easily accessible. It is a great gateway to considering more formal roles such as Special Constables and Volunteer Cadet Leaders, our paid roles or, simply gaining valuable crime prevention advice. “

Detective Chief Inspector, Steven Maloney, Tarian, South Wales Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “We are really grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with the University and their students. These problems are challenging and complex. Traditional policing ideas have not solved the challenges that we face in policing these problems, so we want to reach out to a new audience to ask for their help in keeping people safe. This is a real opportunity for students to make a difference to their communities.”

Virtual Volunteers is easily accessible for students and recent graduates via USW’s internal Careers website.