Question: Horse Riders, did you know that you can ride your horses and support the Mission of Northamptonshire Police to Fight Crime and Protect People; and help deliver our Vision to Support, Stronger and Safer Communities?

Answer: Yes to support its work in rural policing, Northamptonshire Police runs a Volunteers on Horseback (VOH) scheme.

Set up in 2015, VOH riders act as extra sets of eyes and ears for the Force, keeping a look-out for problems in rural areas and letting the police know about any issues.

VOH coordinator Jean Mears said: “Our VOH engage with their local communities, represent Northamptonshire Police at public events and have the opportunity to ride on operations with us”.

Successes thanks to VOH riders include the location and recovery of stolen property, and riders also take part in Close Pass patrols with the Force’s Safer Roads Team, to help educate drivers on how to safely pass horses on the roads.

If you would like more information about VOH, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and you can find out more by following @NorPolVol on Twitter 

Rural Matters September 2021