New helpers in the volunteer police service: safety for everyone!

New helpers in the volunteer police service: safety for everyone!

In Hesse, the voluntary police service is a true model of success. On September 13, 2025, seven new volunteers were introduced into their service in a ceremony at the West Hesse Police Department. Police Chief Björn Gutzeit ceremoniously presented the certificates of appointment and emphasized the important role of these volunteers in the community. A representative of the Southeast Hesse Police Headquarters was also present to underline the cooperation between the police, municipalities and citizens.

The Voluntary Police Service, which was launched in Wiesbaden in 2000, has continued to develop since then. More and more citizens are getting involved in their community to ensure greater security. The Hessian state government highlights the importance of this service in its 2024 coalition agreement. In the future, the new helpers will be actively present in their communities in order to strengthen the population's sense of security.

Tasks and training of volunteers

The tasks of volunteers in the police service are diverse: They go on patrol, are present at events and in residential areas and report suspicious observations. Equipped with a uniform that bears the coat of arms of the state of Hesse, they are visible contacts for all citizens. The training of the new volunteers will include around 50 hours of training in legal basics, service operations, intercultural competence and practical operational training until November 2025. They will then work in the Hochtaunuskreis, Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis and Limburg-Weilburg district, where the motto “Show presence, observe, report” is very important.

The Voluntary Police Service is not only active in Hesse, but has also gained a foothold in other federal states such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Saxony. Despite different uniforms and equipment, the goals are similar in all federal states: The volunteers act as a link between the police and citizens and are intended to improve the security situation through presence, observation and reporting of what they see. They have certain powers, such as questioning suspicious people or issuing temporary expulsions.

Commitment and personal stories

These volunteer helpers are unarmed, but carry pepper spray for protection and are equipped with cell phones so they can quickly call for help in an emergency. The individual stories of the volunteers are particularly worth mentioning. 41-year-old Janet, a mother of several, is proudly involved in the voluntary police service and sees the police as a friend and helper. Dino, a 31-year-old kickboxing trainer and father of one daughter, has also been on the force for three years and is helping to create a safe environment.

The volunteers mostly travel on foot, proving that commitment primarily takes place close to people. Their working hours are usually between three and four hours on one or two days per week, and they are particularly active during the day shifts. For special operations, such as in Frankfurt's party mile, they can also be on duty until the evening hours.

Overall, the voluntary police service is a promising volunteer position that not only increases security in Hesse, but also strengthens the community.