In Suffolk, a trial Local Policing Volunteer (LPV) scheme is for people who would like to offer support to Suffolk Police by being a visible and accessible point of contact. While out and about, such volunteers would report any suspicious activity, such as anti-social behaviour and damage. Volunteers would not be expected or required to get involved beyond being ‘eyes and ears’ of the police and reporting via the 101 non-emergency number, except in cases of emergency.
Volunteers would be aged over 18 and would have a tabard to wear. Woodbridge is among places in the county to trial the scheme. The idea of drawing on more informal volunteers than the Special Constabulary is not new; police volunteers on horseback is a similar scheme running since 2015.
For example Sarah Hills and her Clydesdale cob cross horse Robbie patrol around the coastal district of Southwold. She described it as a hobby and helping the police. “We are in the community talking to people, providing a focal point and reporting numerous things in the area, such as fly-tipping, lots of overgrown hedges, fallen down trees and so forth.
“While it is not necessarily fighting crime, we are helping police by getting out into places where motorists and pedestrians can’t go. It’s been enjoyable. People see you and talk to you – its providing this public presence in the community. They know who Robbie is – you can’t miss him – but he’s friendly so it’s a way of locals having a contact point as well if they need one.”
She likewise wears an orange tabard with Sussex Constabulary badge over her usual riding attire, and an identity card, and (as police say) reports to police if she sees anything suspicious or has a hunch that things ‘just aren’t right’.
Suffolk Chief Constable Gareth Wilson, himself a horse rider, said: “We are indebted to the great work that our volunteers undertake in various roles across the county, however our volunteers on horseback assist in being a highly visible and accessible point of contact for our many rural communities here in Suffolk.”
For details email: [email protected].
Visit: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/join-us/volunteers.
