Category: Emergency Services
Recipient: Eileen Jones
Background
Eileen Jones has been involved in supporting the community since her arrival in the ACT in 1987. She is the primary carer of her 34 year old son, and has previously volunteered with Amnesty International, Mental Health (for which she won the Volunteering Mental Health Award in 2001), Barnardo's, and the North Canberra Baptist Church.
This nomination relates to Eileen's service to the Volunteers in Policing Programme.
Scope of Work
Eileen contributes to the Volunteers in Policing Programme in numerous ways, and is an excellent example of how effective Police Volunteers can be. Her duties include various aspects of front office support, including the performance of a “meet and greet” role for the public; support to the fingerprint team; forensic administration support; catering support; and role playing to assist police recruits with their interviewing techniques.
Eileen also contributes in other areas, including ceremonial support at conferences, award ceremonies and funerals; providing administrative support to the Crime Prevention Unit; and assisting at community events such as the Royal Canberra Show and the Multicultural Festival.
Impact on the Community
Volunteers such as Eileen enable the AFP to better perform its core policing function and to meet its performance outcomes. The Volunteers in Policing Programme provides a positive focus to the public's perception of police and fosters stronger links between police and the community. The program is considered to be a strategic partner in enabling the AFP to fulfil its role.
Time Dedicated
Eileen joined the Volunteers in Policing Programme in 2002. She has volunteered for over 3500 hours to date, providing support at least three times per week.
Effort Required
Selection as a Police Volunteer entails significant degrees of preparation, training and assessment, including psychological assessments, drug tests and criminal history checks.