This week we have welcomed several ex-officers back to the force to mark the beginning of the 'Volunteer Police Reservists’ scheme.

The retired officers, who have a combined total of over 170 years’ service with Merseyside Police, met with Assistant Chief Constable Julie Cooke, Superintendent Dave Charnock, Citizens in Policing Inspector Tom Welch and Sergeant Keith Burke, to discuss their new role.

The role of the Volunteer Police Reservist has been created to assist the force in the event of a major incident or at a time of critical threat. Retired officers involved in the scheme may be called in to assist on a short term basis with a variety of practical tasks from Family Liaison Officer support to taking statements, providing extra support to the force.



Pictured: Seven of the Volunteer Police Reservists with Sergeant Keith Burke, ACC Julie Cooke, Inspector Tom Welch and Superintendent Dave Charnock.

There are currently ten reservists, who have all previously served with the force in a variation of roles from Detective Inspectors to custody officers and who all left between 1990 and 2010.

Assistant Chief Constable Julie Cooke said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome the reservists back to Merseyside Police and we are incredibly grateful that they are willing to give up their time to assist us in the event of a major incident.

“The individuals each have a vast knowledge of policing and although there may have been many changes since they retired, their skill sets will be invaluable should we ever have to call upon them.

“The idea is that the Volunteer Police Reservists will return to assist with logistical and practical tasks in various areas on a short term basis, and will greatly support the daily activity of the force allowing it to run smoothly during times of significant increased demand or critical threat.

“We are delighted that the Volunteer Police Reservists are so enthusiastic about returning to the force they all served with for many years and we welcome them back with open arms.”

Volunteer Reservist Anita Ashcroft QPM said: “I was a police officer in Merseyside for 32-and-a-half years and when I left in 2010 I was the Prolific Offender Coordinator at St Helens.

“I’m now applying to be a Volunteer Police Reservist as I think it’s a really worthwhile position and it’s nice to give something back to the community that I’ve served for many years, this time as a volunteer.”

It's only missing Private Godfrey and you'll have the whole of Dads Army

They way things are going soon they will all be volunteers. The result of fifty years of rubbish governments. All parties included.