Watch: The work of a police puppy socialiser

Although uniformed officers are the most visible face of Thames Valley Police (TVP), the force is supported by nearly 2,000 volunteers who freely give their time.

One of those is puppy socialiser Mark Mackintosh, who works for TVP's corporate communications team.

He has helped to bring up English springer spaniel Maro, who he is looking after for the first year of his life before he returns to the force for further search dog training.

TVP wants to highlight the range of opportunities it has available for people who want to make a difference.

That could, for example, be as a volunteer in one of its two museums in Milton Keynes and Sulhamstead, Berkshire, or on the beat as a special constable.

TVP has about 200 special constables, who wear the same uniform, carry the same equipment and hold the same power of arrest as other regular officers.

There are also about 1,000 Speedwatch volunteers, who use a speed detection devices to clock speeding motorists across the region, and another 500 support volunteers.

Mackintosh's own work with Maro is to help give him the "best foundation possible" so that he will be used to going into new environments and mixing with different types of people when he starts work with TVP.

"I'm a dog owner anyway so this comes naturally to me but it's not [something] that you just get to switch off from," he said.

"You need to have the flexibility to put the effort in.

"You won't ever find yourself out of pocket as well. Food, vets' bills and travel expenses related to the dog are all covered and you get to have a wonderful dog come to live with you."

A special volunteering day will be held at TVP's Kidlington headquarters on Sunday but anyone interested must register for further details.

Another event will be held in Berkshire in March.

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