Hertforshire specials go on horseback to tackle rural crime

The newly-created role will arm volunteers with police powers along with the option of being able to patrol the countryside on horseback, and will spend time meeting and building links with farmers, residents, and landowners to become a key link between the police and farm watches.

With offences such as fly-tipping and machinery theft on the rise, Hertfordshire constabulary will work closely with rural communities in the area and use the additional support and presence of the Special Constables as additional reassurance for community residents in a bid to detect and prevent rural crime.

Launching the initiative today (Wednesday, October 28), assistant Chief Constable Heather Valentine said: “We believe we are the first Force in the UK to create this opportunity for Rural Special Constables to use horseback as a mode of transport – and we are probably the first force in the UK to have defined the role to make it dedicated to rural areas.”

The initiative has derived from feedback gained from local communities, some of who have been reluctant to report crimes because of a perception that they will not be investigated.

“We hope it will link farmers and gamekeepers with the police and improve relationships so we can work together to reduce crime.” 

Fourteen existing Special Constables have become Rural Special Constables after completing an additional two-day training course in rural issues to equip them to do the job. The Constabulary hopes to have 30 officers in post by January 2010.

Richard Downs, a gamekeeper who has applied to become a Rural Special Constable, believes forging sustainable and practical working relationship with the local police is a major step to helping rural communties address the range of crime related incidents that occur in the county.

“I’m positive these new closer working relationships with the police and the introduction of Rural Special Constables, like myself, will help provide a broader picture on the impact of crime on rural communities,” he said.

“We can then implement solutions, which are not necessarily front page news, but have a serious impact on the lives of the majority of people who live in the countryside.” 

For more information visit www.hertspolicecareers.co.uk/rural or contact Special Chief Officer Peter Mould on 01923 472576 or Inspector George Holland on 01923 472154 for an informal chat.

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