Dr PK Cheah presented on International Models of Volunteer Policing in London

UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science academic Assoc Prof Dr Cheah Phaik Kin, who is also a Lance Corporal of the Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve, spoke on “International models of volunteer policing” at the International Roundtable Conference on Volunteering in Policing, held in London on 25 October 2022.

The event saw presentations from the world’s leading researchers, administrators, policymakers, and volunteer police officers from police agencies from England and Wales, the USA, Japan, the Netherlands, France, Scotland, Singapore and Malaysia.

The conference was organised by the Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice (IPSCJ), University of Northampton, UK with the support of the Association of Special Constabulary Officers (ASCO) and the Volunteer Law Enforcement Officer Alliance (VLEOA).

The conference was formally opened and chaired by IPSCJ Director Prof Matthew Callender. Opening addresses were then given by Vice President for the Police Sector at CGI Nick Dale and MBE, National Citizens in Policing Change Manager and Special Chief Officers North Wales Police Mark Owen.

Prof Callender commented, “Dr Cheah’s presentation of international models of volunteering highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches and sharing of knowledge to address key challenges facing the field. Her research and contributions in this field is are exemplars of international partnership”.

Prof Callender added, “The International Roundtable brought together many of the global leaders from across the world to share their experiences, perspectives and plans for the future. There were lots of passionate and thoughtful discussions throughout the day, with many connections being made with partners from across the world. I am proud of the IPSCJ’s role in advancing knowledge within this field, supporting police forces around the world and leading collaboration and partnerships to improve the value of and impact from volunteers in policing.”

UTAR ICP Prof Dr Ross Wolf (Associate Provost, University of Central Florida), who is also the reserve chief deputy of Orange County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office said, “This was a wonderful opportunity for academics and volunteer police practitioners to discuss current issues and plans for future research. I am very pleased to continue my work with international colleagues and UTAR.”

UTAR ICP Dr Iain Britton said, “Our international roundtable event saw academics and leaders in policing from around the world come together to discuss the future development of volunteering in policing. The event signals the value of my role as an international collaboration partner with UTAR, linking with Dr Cheah Phaik Kin and sharing our international research covering the USA, UK and Malaysia at the event.” Dr Iain is also an academic, researcher and consultant in the field of volunteer policing.

UTAR ICP Assoc Prof Dr Adam Dobrin from Florida Atlantic University said, “I was honoured to participate in this extraordinary gathering of academics and practitioners in the field of volunteer policing. I was impressed by the number of presenters who were either faculty or International Collaborative Partners of the UTAR Global Research Network. This meeting will be the benchmark for volunteer policing research for years to come.” Dr Adam is also a reserve deputy at St Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.