VOLUNTEERS ON HORSEBACK
What is it all about…?
The Volunteer on Horseback scheme is for horse riders who would like to offer support to Suffolk Police by being a highly visible and accessible point of contact on horseback. Whilst on your regular ride we would like you to report any suspicious activity, anti-social behaviour, damage or any rural community safety issues to us.
§ At no point will you be required to get directly involved – leave that to us
We would like you to be the eyes and ears of the countryside and pass on information by telephone to us. You know your area, what’s usual and what is out of place. Trust your instincts and if you see anything suspicious or have a hunch that things ‘just aren’t right’ then report it to the police.
§ Your information may be the final piece of the jigsaw in a criminal investigation
You will be helping to assist Suffolk Police in detecting crime by promoting effective communication and the prompt reporting of suspicious and criminal activity in rural areas. Your presence will also help to promote crime prevention awareness in your area.
What is required?
§ You will need to own your own horse or have regular access to ride one
§ To report suspicious incidents or damage directly to the police whilst out riding.
§ You will be provided with a high visibility tabard to wear over your normal riding attire, this will ensure that communities are aware you a Police Support Volunteer whilst out exercising your horse(s).
§ To always ride courteously and in a safe and practical manner and to follow the Highway Code (2013) section called “Rules about animals” paragraph 47 – 55 inclusive.
§ Adequate insurance for the horse you are riding.
§ Adhere to and promote the Force policy & standards on Diversity and Health & Safety
§ You are required to be over 18 and willing to complete Suffolk Constabulary Vetting
· You must not have received an adult caution or conviction. Juvenile cautions will be considered (a juvenile is aged 17 and under, an adult aged 18 and above. Please contact for clarification
Please see the Suffolk Police Support Volunteer on Horseback Guidance and Agreement on the last page for full details.
How do I join?
If you would like to become a volunteer on horseback then please fill out the application form from our ‘related links’ section on our website: www.suffolk.police.uk.
Alternatively you can request an application form by e-mail: and let us know the postcode where your horse is kept and which area you regularly ride.
For further information telephone us on: 01473 613570
Or e-mail:
Visit: www.suffolk.police.uk
Suffolk Police Support Volunteers on
Horseback Guidance & Agreement*
· I am over 18 years old.
· I understand that I will be required to be vetted by security checked by Suffolk Constabulary.
· I understand that this scheme is a “see and report” scheme via 101 or in an emergency 999.
· I will report incidents of anti-social behaviour or suspicious incidents or damage.
· I understand that I am NOT to intervene in any suspicious activity.
· I will always ride courteously and in a safe and practical manner.
· I will ride within the guidance of the Official Highway Code (2013).
· I will not trespass on any land that I am not welcome.
· I will only ride in a manner that I would normally exercise my horses.
· I understand that Suffolk Police will take no liability for any injury to either me or the horse that I am mounted upon.
· I understand that Suffolk Police will take no liability for any incident involving me or my horse.
· I will adequately insure my horse
· I understand should I fail to remain within the rules of the scheme, I may be asked to leave the scheme.
· I understand that I will be given a high visibility tabard which I will be able to wear whilst out exercising my horse(s). The purpose of this coat is to ensure that communities are aware that I am a Police Support Volunteer, thus increasing the visibility of this scheme. I understand that I will not wear the tabard while hunting or undertaking any related activities
· I understand that on a condemnation basis only, I will be given a replacement tabard when the current one is beyond use.
· I understand that should I be required to leave the scheme, I shall return the tabard.
· I understand that I will not allow any person who is not in the scheme to wear the tabard
· I confirm that I have read the Highway Code (2013) section called “Rules about animals” paragraph 47 – 55 inclusive.
· I understand that I will update the Police Support Volunteer Coordinator if my current contact details change.
· I understand that should I wish to no longer participate in the scheme I will advise the PSV coordinator immediately
*Please note that you will be required to sign the above agreement before commencement of your Volunteer on Horseback role
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