Our policing VIPS retire, reluctantly

Sandra and Ron Hocking were recognised for their contribution at a Central West Police presentation ceremony in November - just a week after they called it a day.

Sandra has been serving the police service as a volunteer since 2008 and Ron since 2010.

They have only retired for health reasons and would encourage someone else who has the capacity to do so to step up.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed volunteering," Mrs Hocking said.

"I would love to go back and be able to do it."

In recent years, much of their work has concentrated on transcribing police reports into the computer system.

They started with the 1980 events and have worked their way to 2019, for both Forbes and Condobolin.

The couple have digitised thousands of case files - it's almost impossible for them to estimate how many.

But over the years they have put their hands up to help however they can, and the role of Volunteers in Policing can be varied.

The Hockings were recognised as State finalists for the volunteer honour in the 2016 Rotary Police Officer of the Year Awards.

At the time, Superintendent Chris Taylor praised their hard work behind the scenes.

"At times of great workload or community concern, the couple step up to the plate and shine," he told the Police Monthly.

They worked tirelessly in Forbes and Parkes during flood events, helping answer questions to keep people informed, and registering people at the evacuation centre.

One of the other enjoyable tasks was to visit schools to talk to children about safety.

"That was enjoyable, the kids really listened," Mrs Hocking said.

"Although sometimes they came out with questions I couldn't answer."

Information about the Volunteers in Policing program is online at https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment_links/volunteer_in_policing or you can contact our Crime Prevention Officer Senior Constable Daniel Greef on 68623 9999 to talk about what's involved with the role.