What is Freiwilliger Polizeidienst?

The Freiwilliger Polizeidienst are voluntary police services in Germany under different denominations , operated by non-professional forces. In most states, the forces are composed of trained volunteers, acting as an assisting and reserve force to the regular police force. Due to the fact, that the voluntary police services are state-run institutions, the equipment, training and tasks differ. Through patrols, it is supposed to ensure public order and safety.