Devon and Cornwall Police have paid their respects to the Military Community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant at the Police Headquarters in Exeter.
The Force has made a promise to support staff who have served or are serving in the armed forces, and has had a long tradition of employing former military personnel, with many joining due to their links with military towns like Plymouth, Lympstone, St Mawgan, Culdrose, Torpoint and Helston and Devon and Cornwall Police currently holds the silver award for the support offered to employees.
A spokesperson for the force said: "The covenant represents a promise by this organisation that those who serve or have served will always be treated fairly in the communities, economy and society they have protected with their lives.
“This also includes the active support of partners and families.
"For Devon and Cornwall Police, signing the covenant means that there is support for employees as reservists or veterans.
“Support such as allowing special leave to volunteer or offering help to those coming out of the military.”
Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer, said: "I believe it is extremely important to offer support to those who have served or those who are currently in a role as a volunteer.
"While this is for them, it is important to understand what unique skills and benefits those who have served can bring to us as an organisation and the wider community.
“We must remember how much each person who has served sacrificed and by signing we pay our respect to that sacrifice."
Naval Regional Commander for Wales and Western England, Royal Marines Brigadier Jock Fraser signed the Covenant alongside the Chief Constable and thank him for his commitment.
He said, “Today formally recognise your pledge to support, not only those who work within the Devon and Cornwall Police Force, but also the Armed Forces Community across the whole region, who are thankful for your service.”
