Police officers have been praised for their selfless community actions after a survey revealed almost 90 per cent carried out voluntary work or fund-raising alongside their duties throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Research carried out for Public Service Day (23 June) by Boundless - a membership club for civil service and public sector workers – revealed 88 per cent of those polled had either volunteered or raised money during the Covid crisis.

Officers who responded were also found to have raised an impressive £13,817 per person for charity during the course of their career.

Dyfed Powys Police Federation secretary Roger Webb welcomed the survey findings.

He said: “Police officers protect and serve their communities and are usually more than happy to carry that through into charity and voluntary work and fund-raising.

“Our colleagues are caring, helpful and decent people who wouldn’t think twice about going the extra mile to support a charity or volunteer or fund-raise in their spare time.”

The survey findings were described as ‘fantastic’ by Police Federation chair John Apter.

He said: “Police officers are humble people who do not really want to have the spotlight shone on them. However, I think it is really important we celebrate our colleagues and the difference they make to society both on and off duty.”

Boundless director Darren Milton also paid tribute, adding: “If we didn’t know already just how special the people who work in the police service are, these survey results really underline it.”

The research was conducted for Boundless by Opinion Matters and involved 2,048 employed respondents.

Other survey findings detailed the main voluntary activities supported by police officers and service employees during the pandemic. 

These included: 

· Donating items - 29 per cent

· Organising fund-raising events - 25 per cent

· Delivering meals or items to underprivileged/vulnerable people - 22 per cent

· Organising virtual quiz nights - 16 per cent

· Online counselling -12 per cent

· Producing and sharing information about Covid - 10 per cent

· Taking part in sponsored walks or runs - 10 per cent

· Making or donating PPE - 10 per cent.