WITH budgets for public services squeezed even further, drastic measures must be taken to protect the vulnerable.

Our police force is no exception and has to make some difficult decisions about what to cut without putting the public in danger.

One of the ways some of our public services have been plugging the gap is by using the many volunteers who put themselves forward to help without taking a wage. People such as Ron Hollis, who has given up his time for the past 12 years to work for Thames Valley Police, should be commended for their efforts and it’s great that they have contributed to helping the public.

But MP Andrew Smith and others are right to be concerned about where the use of volunteers may end.

Policing the streets, dealing with criminals and the most vulnerable in our society comes with a huge risk and cannot be done by anyone.

There are Government plans to give police volunteers more powers such as compelling somebody to give their address but with those comes more responsibility and the potential to put all parties at risk.

There is no easy answer and we will no doubt hear more about further cuts to police spending over the coming months.

We should commend the people who put themselves forward as volunteers and there are many areas in which they can make a real difference in across the police force and indeed other public sectors.

But they shouldn’t be seen as the answer to all our budget solutions – a real sensible discussion is needed about the areas suited to volunteers and the jobs that require certain training and skills. For all involved.