Volunteers' Week: Meet the mounted volunteer keeping watch over Wiltshire’s countryside

Police Support Volunteer Jerry Watkins has been helping to keep rural communities safe as a 'Mounted Volunteer' with Wiltshire Police for the past five years.

Living in a rural community, Jerry became interested in volunteering with the Force following a talk with the British Horse Society.

Jerry said: "My role is primarily about raising awareness of rural crime and keeping an eye on the local area while I am exercising my horse. I was provided with some basic training and a high-visibility tabard which identifies me as a Police Volunteer.

"Being on a horse means I am higher up than others who may be using the countryside, allowing me to see over fences and hedges. I haven’t had to report any crime, but I have reported issues such as fly-tipping and animals in distress.

"I get a huge amount of personal satisfaction from the role, as I feel I am giving something back to the local community. Members of the public often stop to talk to me and ask what I’m doing when they see my tabard. It provides a great opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have and helps to promote a positive perception of the police."

In 2025/26 our 72 PSVs contributed 914 hours across 43 different events and make a significant impact on the constabulary and the communities we serve.

If you have a few hours a week spare and would like to support Wiltshire Police we would like to hear from you. Please email [email protected]

You can find more information here

We would particularly like to hear from anyone who might be able to support with role playing for officers in training , community action initiatives and other administrative roles. 

We will be using this week to highlight, celebrate and thank those who give their time, skills and experience without charge and for the benefit of others. These will be shared on our social media pages.