英國斯塔福德郡警方近期發布一則廣告，在當地招募志愿者免費為他們清洗并保養警車，稱此舉每年能幫助警方節約5500小時的時間，同時還能減少警局的支出。另外，該警局還有意讓社區民眾參與散發安保傳單和出警翻譯等工作，當然也是免費的。當地民眾和一些警員均對此提出疑義，稱讓未經訓練的志愿者參與這些工作會埋下安全隱患。發布招募廣告的警局則表示，所有志愿者均需年滿16歲，而且上崗前會經過嚴格審查和指導培訓。

Staffordshire Police is hoping to save 5,500 police hours a year by getting volunteers from the community to regularly clean its fleet of vehicles.

A police force in Britain has advertised for members of the public to wash and valet its patrol cars for free in an attempt to cut costs.

Staffordshire Police is hoping to save 5,500 police hours a year by getting volunteers from the community to regularly clean its fleet of vehicles.

The idea is the latest cost-cutting idea from cash-strapped forces, which are also seeking people to work for free completing tasks such as gardening and translating.

However, it has raised concern among police officers and staff, who fear volunteers could pose a security risk.

Staffordshire Police launched its appeal for volunteers to clean cars, act as interpreters and hand out crime-fighting leaflets two weeks ago.

A spokesman said it had received a “number” of applications but could not say if any of the jobs had been filled.

The job advert posted by the force seeks car washing volunteers who would also be required to check equipment in cars and replace faulty items such as traffic cones and flashing lights.

The force also wants unpaid interpreters to work alongside officers on patrol and helpers for crime prevention campaigns.

Ben Priestley, of Unison, which represents police staff, told the Daily Mail: “The public will be very concerned that this vital work is being done by untrained volunteers who will not be subject to the same high standards of professionally employed police staff.”

PC Andy Adams, of Staffordshire Police Federation, said: “With this sort of thing they may look at other roles in the organisation where they can push it a little bit further.

“I would like to think that all these people are properly vetted and accredited but that will of course cost money.”

All volunteers must be at least 16 and are to be vetted and given an induction course before they can start work, the force said.

Assistant Chief Constable Julian Blazeby said he thought local people would be “keen to get involved” in helping their local force.

相關閱讀

英國警方追回兩件被盜中國文物

英國軍警舉行奧運安保預演

(Agencies)

（中國日報網英語點津 Helen 編輯）