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Avon and Somerset Police wants volunteers to drive their officers to and from jobs across Bristol in a bid to improve efficiency.

The force wants to replicate a scheme trialled in Devon and Cornwall whereby unpaid members of the public give up their time to drive police officers to appointments and run errands.

It is hoped the scheme, once implemented this spring, will allow officers to spend more time on their “core roles” – as well as allowing them to use their phones while en-route to jobs.

Volunteers will be given access to the force’s fleet of unmarked police vehicles and will be expected to work at least one 10-hour shift – with breaks - per week.

Temporary assistant chief constable Steve Cullen said volunteers would help with things like dropping officers off in busy places, collecting medication for detainees or taking evidence to court.

“This scheme is all about embracing trusted members of the community who wish to participate in policing and maximising the amount of time officers and staff spent carrying out their core roles,” he said.

“We anticipate the volunteer drivers helping with things like collecting detainee medication or supporting officers in dropping them off and collecting them to conduct enquires in busy settings such as Bristol city centre.

“Not only does this enable our officers to keep working on mobile devices whilst being driven but it will ensure that our cars are being used efficiently and not tied up all day for one appointment.”

Based at Patchway Police Centre, the drivers will receive daily journey requests from officers out on the beat and will be expected to travel across the Avon and Somerset Police force area.

Aside from running routine errands, the volunteers will also be expected to ensure accurate mileage and journey times are kept.

The benefits of becoming a volunteer driver, according to the police website, include “using your driving skills for the benefit of policing”, becoming a valued member of the force and contributing directly to improving the effectiveness of police officer time. If you want to apply, click here.

Avon and Somerset Police is aiming to fill six driver positions, with a view to launching the scheme in the spring.

To be considered for a role, applicants must possess a full driving licence, a good knowledge of the Highway Code and must be aged 25 or over.