Police recognised for aiding armed forces reservists

The force has supported 35 police staff reservists over the past 28 years and warranted officers are released to volunteer at the discretion of the chief constable.

To mark that work Chief Constable Tim Hollis, on behalf of the force, was presented with a certificate signed by the Chief of the Defence staff and the Secretary of State for Defence.

Mr Hollis said: "We are delighted to be recognised in this way and are very proud to be supporting the reserve forces through the commitment of our police staff and where appropriate, our warranted officers.

"Not only do reservists provide a vital role to our armed forces, but our employees also benefit enormously from the transferable skills they learn, particularly in decision-making, leadership and team work."

The certificate was presented by Richard Lenton, regional director of Sabre (Supporting Britain's Reservists and Employers), which is part of the Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association.

Mr Lenton said: "Becoming a reservist can benefit businesses by developing vital life and management skills for their employees, from motivation, self-discipline and confidence to organisation and leadership.

"Through educating employers and speaking directly to the decision-makers within companies, we want to encourage employers and employees to sign up."

He added: "Some of the roles reservists can find themselves responsible for are providing force protection, emergency relief, contingency planning and regularly providing the lead role in reconstruction efforts in countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq – all skills which transfer across in the work place."

Reservists serve in the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Marines, the Territorial Army and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, and can be mobilised wherever they are needed to work alongside Britain's regular armed forces.