Police are looking for volunteers on horseback

Launched in April 2026, Devon and Cornwall Police are looking for volunteers with horses to support the force by carrying out high-visibility patrols across rural communities.

The volunteers will support policing by engaging with residents in rural areas and carrying out patrols, and then reporting back about any suspected agricultural, equine, wildlife or heritage crimes, as well as crime that is disproportionately impacting rural communities, such as fly-tipping.

Rural Affairs and Citizens in Policing teams hope that the patrols carried out by volunteers will act as a visible deterrent to prevent crime; helping to keep rural communities safe and enabling police to better connect with rural communities.

To get involved, volunteers must:

• Have a minimum of 5 years riding experience
• Own a suitable horse
• Be over 21 years old
• Pass Police Vetting

Equine volunteers will receive training from the force and partner agencies, which will include Police First Aid, de-escalation training and online courses from The College of Policing.

Potential volunteers wishing to learn more, or to apply, should visit: Equine Volunteer - Working in Partnership