‘Once I joined my motivations changed’: Exploring the initial and continuing motivations of police support volunteers in an English constabulary

Abstract

Abstract Understanding and responding to motivations—both initial and continuing—are pivotal features of effectively involving volunteers within an organization, influencing satisfaction and ongoing commitment. This article explores the initial and continuing motivations of police support volunteers (PSVs)—citizens who give their time freely to perform tasks that complement the duties of police officers and staff. Drawing on survey and interview data with 160 PSVs in a large urban police service in England, the article considers motivations through three typologies—The Altruistic PSV, The Social PSV, and The Career PSV. It explores defining features of each typology and highlights the shifting nature of motivations as volunteer service progresses—most notably an increase in socially driven volunteers, and a fall in those seeking fulfilment of career goals. Implications for practice are considered, in particular investing in dedicated volunteer resources that recognize and respond to the heterogeneity of volunteer cohorts and fluidity of motivations.