Assoc Prof Dr Cheah Phaik Kin from UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science, an esteemed scholar in volunteer law enforcement, presented her research findings at the Edinburgh International Symposium on Volunteering in Policing, held on 15 and 16 May 2024 at the Edinburgh Napier University of Scotland.

The event, organised by the Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice (IPSCJ) of University of Northampton in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University, Police Scotland, the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, the Association of Special Constabulary Officers (UK), the Volunteer Law Enforcement Officer Alliance, and the Global Foundation for Community Safety Volunteering, gathered global leaders in academia and policing to share knowledge and experience, building upon the past International Symposium held in 2022 in London, England.

Dr Cheah, who is also a Lance Corporal in the Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve, informed the meeting that her recent study found that motivation and organisational support significantly enhance the work engagement of police volunteers in the Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve. These findings highlight the critical role of supportive structures in maximising the potential of volunteer personnel, which is essential for effectively protecting the communities.

“Our findings suggest that police organisations should focus on the motivation levels of recruits and employees during hiring, recognition, and promotion while providing adequate resources and support to enhance volunteer engagement. Organisational support, through fair practices and open communication, is crucial for maintaining high work engagement among PVR officers,” Dr Cheah added.

The symposium was formally opened and chaired by Prof Matthew Callender, Professor of Interdisciplinary Social Studies at the University of Northampton and Director of the IPSCJ, followed by a welcome address from Prof Gary Hutchinson, Dean of Applied Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University. Plenary speakers included Police Scotland’s Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors, Dr Rick Muir, Director of the Police Foundation, and Dr Iain Britton, a Visiting Fellow of the IPSCJ, Founding Director of the Global Foundation for Community Safety Volunteering and UTAR International Collaborative Partner.

“This symposium featured an impressive range of partners and brought together world-leading experts in academia, policy and practice. It represented how volunteering in law enforcement is a major agenda globally and served as a platform to build connections, share important evidence and research, ultimately harnessing the value and contributions of citizens to protect the public and create a safer future for all,” remarked Prof Callender, who is also a UTAR International Collaborative Partner.

Meanwhile, Prof Ross Wolf, Immediate Past President and Board Member of the Volunteer Law Enforcement Officer Alliance based in the United States, and UTAR International Collaborative Partner said, “This symposium allowed us to share our research and identify gaps for future collaborative studies.”

Delegations from Canada, Dubai, England and Wales, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Scotland, and the United States shared their national contexts, volunteering opportunities, and challenges. The scale of global volunteer involvement in policing was highlighted, revealing the significant contributions of volunteers in supporting local communities and enhancing public safety.

Talks on police volunteer programmes included insights from Commissaire General Stephane Folcher, Head of the Reserves, Police Nationale, and General de Division Jean-Pierre Gesnot, Chief for Reserves, Gendarmerie Nationale, France. Leena Pukk, Lead Auxiliary Police, Estonian Police and Border Guard, Agapi Brokalaki, National Coordination, Police Volunteers, Netherlands Politie, and Orlaith Kelly and Edmund O’Reilly from the Garda Reserve in Ireland were also among the presenters.

The central theme was Innovation in Volunteer Roles, with contributors showcasing specialised volunteer roles. Agapi Brokalaki and Laura Martens from the Netherlands Politie described Specialised Police Volunteers’ support areas like forensic investigation and digital expertise. Chief Inspector Leanne Alleyne from the UK’s National Police Chiefs’ Council Cybercrime Programme highlighted the role of cyber digital specials in addressing online crime, while Dr Juliane Weber from Germany’s Central Cybercrime Department detailed their efforts in this area.

Meanwhile, Inspector Norman Towler and Sergeant Aaron Chadha from Police Scotland talked about the contributions and efforts of youth volunteers in Scotland. Inspector Towler remarked, “In Scotland, our youth volunteers inspire me every day. Many come from challenging and vulnerable backgrounds, and we transform these youths into role models. By creating role models, we cultivate future leaders, which is fundamental to prevention.”

In addition, understanding and valuing volunteer experiences were also critical themes. Commander Folcher from La Police Nationale, France emphasised strengthening the relationship between the police and civil society through volunteer expansion. Meanwhile, Dr Melissa Pepper, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Greenwich, UK discussed the positive impact of community speed-watch volunteers feeling recognised and valued.

The symposium concluded with a focus on future collaboration. Two new networks were formed: The Global Academic Network for Citizens in Policing and a Leaders and Coordinators Network. Dr Lain Britton highlighted the need to build momentum and develop a global picture of volunteer policing. He said, “The passion and expertise over the two days have been tangible. We need to connect leaders and coordinators internationally and build the evidence base around volunteer policing.”

Video -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kUROQzlAX0