Rural Mounted Volunteer scheme is launched in Dorset
Dorset Police officially welcomed its first Rural Mounted Volunteers at a launch ceremony which took place at Kingston Maurward College yesterday evening, 12 October 2023.
Rural Mounted Volunteers will be the eyes and ears for rural communities. Like Neighbourhood Watch groups, the team will support Dorset Police to prevent crime in rural areas.
Volunteers on horseback will engage with local rural communities while out on their regular hacks along bridleways, lanes and country roads, gathering important information and reporting anything suspicious to the Rural Crime Team to help protect rural communities.
The Rural Mounted Volunteer scheme has been funded by Dorset Police and is supported by the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) David Sidwick.
All volunteers have been issued with a high-visibility jacket featuring ‘Police Volunteer’ and their horses have been equipped with reflective sheets and leg wrappings.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick and Dorset Police Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Neil Corrigan opened the welcome ceremony.
Dorset Police Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Neil Corrigan said: “This team of dedicated volunteers will be working alongside the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, reporting suspicious people, vehicles and activity.
“With their elevated positions on horseback, the Rural Mounted Volunteers have a unique vantage point and can spot many things that someone on foot or in a vehicle might not otherwise be able to see or even be able to get near to.
“This vital intelligence sharing will ensure our teams are targeting their patrols and enforcement in the right areas, keeping people feeling safe where they live and work.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick added: “I’d like to welcome these first four mounted rural volunteers and thank them for giving up their time to help make Dorset a safer place to be.
“I have wanted to introduce this scheme for a while, so seeing it come to fruition is really pleasing. Having mounted rural volunteers will help further connect the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team with the communities they serve, as well as offer a unique vantage point that will not only gather intelligence that may have been missed by standard patrols, but improve visibility within our rural communities.”
Dorset Police volunteers come from all walks of life and bring with them an array of skills and experiences. Sharing their knowledge and time with the police will make a positive impact on all rural communities across Dorset.
ACC Corrigan concluded: “Our Rural Mounted Volunteers will make a real difference in helping us to tackle crime our rural areas. They are a valuable link between the police and rural communities, particularly in the more isolated areas, and this is something we’ve been prioritising.”
To learn more about the Rural Mounted Volunteers initiative, or to apply to be a volunteer, please email contact.vol@dorset.pnn.police.uk
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