Devon and Cornwall Police have put out a call for volunteers to sign up as Vehicle Checkers in Okehampton and Tavistock to help to keep the police cars in tip-top condition.

Volunteers will inspect and look after both marked and unmarked police cars to ensure that they are fully equipped and safe to drive. Responsibilities will include keeping vehicles clean, driving vehicles to and from police stations and reporting any faults and low stock levels.

Sarah Jarvis, development officer at Devon and Cornwall Police, said: ’We are always looking for volunteers to help the police so that officers can remain on the front line policing the streets.’

Volunteers will need to be available at least once a week and a basic understanding of vehicles and computers is necessary. However, full support and training will be given along with the opportunity to help support other police forces with vehicle checks when needed.

The police are also eager to hear from women and minority groups who, Ms Jarvis admits, are under-represented in the police. ’We want to hear from them so we might more representative of the area.’

The role also offers an opportunity to get more involved in police work. Ms Jarvis said that some volunteers have gone on to work in the police as a result of getting to know the community and the police officers better.

To get more information, visit Devon and Cornwall Police website (see below), and send any applications to Devon and Cornwall Resourcing at [email protected]. Applications can also be sent by post at Alliance Resourcing, Devon & Cornwall Police, Middlemoor, Exeter, EX2 7HQ. The deadline for applications is November 2.