Volunteers' Week: New Specialist Offender Location Team track high-risk suspects across Wiltshire

An expert unit of Special Constables that excel at apprehending high-risk suspects launches this week within Wiltshire Police.

The Specialist Offender Location Team (SOLT) have a wealth of experience tracking down some of the most dangerous, high-harm offenders that affect our communities, having worked with Gloucestershire Constabulary for many years.

They give up their time to help protect the most vulnerable in our society, utilising their skillsets to bring individuals swiftly into the justice system, complementing the investigative capability that already exists within Wiltshire Police.

Chief Inspector Steven Jolly, Wiltshire Police Tactical Lead for the Special Constabulary, said: "The launch of SOLT is a genuinely exciting moment for Wiltshire Police.

"This team brings exceptional talent and expertise to our force, and that speaks volumes about the calibre of people choosing to serve with us as volunteer officers.

"Tracking down high-harm offenders is some of the most impactful policing work there is, and the fact that this team does it voluntarily, drawing on skills honed in their everyday lives, is truly remarkable.

"Wiltshire Police has long been proud of the breadth and quality of specialist roles we offer our Special Constabulary. Whether that's Roads Policing, Drones, or now the Specialist Offender Location Team, we are building something genuinely unique, an organisation where volunteers can serve at the very highest level. SOLT are a fantastic addition to that family, and they will make an immediate and lasting difference to the communities we serve."

Constable Bayley, SOLT Section Leader, added: "SOLT represents the kind of work the Special Constabulary can excel at, when given the right support and the right tools. SOLT officers, like many Special Constables, come to policing with a wide range of highly relevant specialist skills from external workplaces, and with an operational flexibility unique to the police environment.

"After five years of operations in Gloucestershire, and a series of regional and national awards including several for innovation in policing, we're proud to continue our service in Wiltshire. The Force, from ground level all the way to senior command, has shown us the warmest of welcomes, creating structure and support around us that will enable us to operate to the best of our abilities.

"Empowered to work with dedicated focus, SOLT will relentlessly pursue the highest risk offenders wanted by Wiltshire Police, using an array of specialist techniques and operational tactics. Our aim is simple, bring evading suspects to justice and improve the timeliness of service and safety to victims."

This is just one example of volunteers within Wiltshire Police operating in a highly specialised and innovative way. We will be covering other areas in Wiltshire Police where our dedicated volunteers contribute to keeping our communities safe throughout Volunteers' Week.

If you feel you have what it takes to be a Special Constable, can give up at least 16 hours a month and would like to give back to your community doing one of the most rewarding volunteer roles there is, we want to hear from you.

We are currently recruiting for Special Constables and would invite you to look at our website for more information: Special Constables | Wiltshire Police