Dorset Police Rural Mounted Volunteers (RMVs) are all volunteer riders and were established in October 2023 and fall under the Police Support Volunteer scheme (PSV). The scheme links directly to the Force Vision regarding Exceptional Local Police:

• Neighbourhood Policing that is visible, connected, and trusted
• Keeping rural communities safe
• Preventing crime
• Valuing and maximising our volunteers to better connect with local communities.

The RMVs are supported by the Rural Crime and Citizens in Policing Teams and an important part of the wider police family

What do they Report?

The Rural Mounted Volunteers provide highly visible patrols using their own horses across the rural communities. They receive training from the Force and partner agencies, are vetted and are provided with uniform for both the horse and rider.

Linked to the Rural Crime Team, they are tasked to report back on all rural crime types:

• Agricultural
• Equine
• Wildlife
• Heritage

The volunteers also report issues environmental issues, such as fly tipping, to our partners.

A key element to their rides is to engage with the local communities.

What are the requirements to be a Rural Mounted Volunteer?

• A minimum of 5 Years riding experience.
• Own your own horse, which you will insure at you own cost.
• Be over 18 years old.
• Complete Police Vetting.
• Provide 4 hours per month volunteering.

Training

• Police Support Volunteer Induction
• Police First Aid Course (2 days)
• De-escalation input
• Online courses from The College of Policing
• 2 Development Events per year
• Inputs from the Rural Crime Team