Volunteering in the Criminal Justice System

Volunteering for the Criminal Justice System in Derbyshire can help make a real difference to individuals, our communities and to how the system is delivered.

There is a wide range of volunteering opportunities in the CJS, open to all, regardless of background, age or skills. For example, you can:

  • make communities safer by supporting the police as a Special Constable;
  • build secure and confident communities as a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator;
  • help deliver justice as a magistrate;
  • support victims and witnesses of crime as a Victim Support or Witness Service volunteer;
  • help tackle crime and reduce re-offending as a youth offender panel member; or 
  • help offenders get their lives back on track as a prison visitor or mentor
  • mentoring, appropriate adult scheme, be-friending.

How much time you want to devote is up to you and your personal circumstances, but it can also depend on the role. This can range from occasional help to several days a week. In most cases formal qualifications are not required, just a willingness to devote time and effort.

Volunteering can be very rewarding. It can offer you:

  • a sense of value and need;
  • work experience and increased career options;
  • new and improved skills;
  • personal development and achievement;
  • training opportunities;
  • an opportunity to meet new people; and foremost
  • a chance to make a difference.

For further information, why not take a look at The 'UN'usual Suspects leaflet or contact one of the people below.

Derbyshire Constabulary | Sandra Haycock | 01773 572785

Derbyshire Youth Offending Service | Andy Bennett | 01629 531975

Derby Community Safety Partnership | SOVA | 01332 256910

Her Majesty's Courts Service | Sally Mason | 01246 246505

HMP Nottingham | Pat Haywood | 0115 872 4000

Victim Support | Victim Care Unit | 01629 825864

SOVA [Supporting others through volunteer action] / 01332 256820 [see separate page for more details] 

There are currently no opportunities at the CPS, Probation or the Legal Services Commission.

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