The initiative will allow people to take on roles in areas such as vehicle fleet support, overcoming language barriers and delivering crime prevention material.

A large number of people already devote time to working with the force — including 514 Special Constables, 13,080 Neighbourhood Watch members and 330 Speedwatch members.

The project is part of a nationwide scheme co-ordinated by the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Staffordshire's Assistant Chief Constable Julian Blazeby said: "The programme is a fantastic opportunity for the public to directly support their local policing team and gain satisfaction from playing a part in their community.

"We already know from our officers' daily interactions with people that they are keen to get involved in the things that matter to their communities.

"This is not about replacing current police officer or staff roles.

"It's about volunteers taking on simple but important tasks which will support officers and staff and allow them to concentrate on doing what they are trained to do.

"Volunteers bring fresh ideas, raise concerns and can suggest solutions. They bring a wide range of experience and skills to the teams that they support, and also add value to the work of trained staff.

"Volunteers have a wealth of knowledge and skills that can benefit the wider community."

Vehicle fleet support volunteers will help keep the force's vehicles in a clean condition and ensure they are fully equipped with kit.

Community language support volunteers, who will speak a second language, will support officers and PCSOs in overcoming language barriers when carrying out routine, nonevidential inquiries.

Meanwhile, community initiative support volunteers will support officers and PCSOs in packaging and delivering crime prevention literature.

All volunteers, who must be aged at least 16, will go through a vetting process and complete a thorough induction before starting their role.

More information is available at www.staffordshire.police.uk/volunteers or by calling 01785 232 221.