DEVON and Cornwall Police are joining national campaign celebrating the contributions and crucial work carried out by police staff.

Just shy of 40 percent of the force is made up of police staff.

Police staff work in a number of specialist roles, such as Detention Officers, Staff Investigators and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

Devon and Cornwall Police is joining in the ‘National Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition’ to highlight their staff colleagues and the crucial work they do.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said: ‘There is often a misconception that police officers make up the entire force as they are the face of policing.

‘But the truth is, the work done to prevent crime and bring offenders to justice is not only done by police officers, but our police staff too.

‘There are a significant number of staff with a multitude of skills, experience and special expertise that support our officers.

‘From answering emergency calls and taking fingerprints and DNA at crime scenes, to analysing crime patterns, recruiting officers, making sure people get paid and managing our IT systems, police staff play an integral role in a fully functioning police force.

‘I am proud to be the Chief Constable of Devon & Cornwall Police and welcome opportunities like this week to celebrate the willingness of police staff and officers to go above and beyond every day.’

Throughout this week, Devon and Cornwall Police will be sharing police staff case studies on their social media pages, to highlight the important work they do to support the operational priorities of the police.

People can follow them and the rest of the National Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition using the hashtag #CelebratingPoliceStaff.

It is hoped the recognition will encourage other professionals to consider a future in policing and raise awareness of how staff roles contribute to crime prevention and community safety, Devon and Cornwall Police say.