Rural Crime Volunteer
Role Purpose
The Rural Crime Volunteer supports Staffordshire Police in strengthening relationships with rural communities and helping to prevent and reduce rural crime. Acting as a key link between local residents, partnerships, and the police, the volunteer promotes crime prevention initiatives, raises awareness of rural and wildlife crime issues, and supports community engagement activities. The role contributes to improving public confidence in policing while assisting with the flow of information and intelligence relating to rural concerns.
The Rural Crime Volunteer does not attend incidents or undertake enforcement activity. Instead, they provide support, education, and community engagement to help safeguard rural communities.
Key Responsibilities
Community Engagement and Partnership Working
- Support Staffordshire Police's commitment to tackling rural crime and promoting community safety.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with local rural communities, landowners, farmers, businesses, and partner organisations.
- Build effective links with local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Police Officers within their area.
- Attend community events, engagement activities, and partnership meetings as a representative of rural communities.
- Provide a volunteer perspective at partnership forums and meetings.
Crime Prevention and Awareness
- Assist in promoting crime prevention initiatives relating to rural and wildlife crime.
- Distribute crime prevention information, guidance, and awareness materials on behalf of Staffordshire Police.
- Support local policing teams with property marking initiatives, including Tack Marking and Bike Marking schemes.
- Raise awareness of rural crime prevention measures, including security advice for farms, businesses, equipment, and livestock.
Specialist Advice and Support
- Develop an understanding of local rural and wildlife crime concerns and available enforcement options.
- Maintain awareness of Staffordshire Police priorities relating to rural crime and understand how the volunteer role supports these objectives.
- Understand forensic marking methods and their application within rural crime prevention.
- Provide advice and guidance, either in person or by telephone, to police officers attending rural locations where appropriate.
- Share knowledge and expertise relating to rural and wildlife crime issues within the local area.
- Contribute ideas and recommendations to improve responses to rural and wildlife crime concerns.
Education and Outreach
- Support PCSOs with educational visits and community presentations.
- Assist in delivering awareness sessions on rural topics, including environmental and wildlife issues, countryside safety, and wildfire prevention.
- Promote understanding of rural crime issues among community members and partner organisations.
Rural and Wildlife Crime Areas
Volunteers may provide information, guidance, or support relating to:
- Farm and rural business security
- Livestock and poultry theft
- Security of agricultural machinery, tools, equipment, and vehicles
- Fertiliser and chemical security
- Fuel theft
- Fly tipping
- Hare coursing
- Rural arson
- Deer and fish poaching
- Badger, bat, and birds of prey persecution
- Egg theft and illegal collection
- Wildlife cruelty offences
- Damage to heritage and rural sites
Key Accountabilities
- Promote positive engagement between Staffordshire Police and rural communities.
- Support local crime prevention and awareness initiatives.
- Assist in sharing relevant information and intelligence regarding rural crime concerns.
- Represent Staffordshire Police professionally when undertaking volunteer activities.
- Work within the scope of the volunteer role and follow all force policies, procedures, and guidance.
Role Boundaries
- Volunteers are not required to attend, respond to, or become involved in live incidents.
- Volunteers must not place themselves in situations involving confrontation, conflict, enforcement activity, or personal risk.
- Any information relating to crime or safeguarding concerns must be reported through agreed Staffordshire Police processes.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Interest in rural communities and countryside issues.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively with a range of community members and partners.
- Reliable, professional, and trustworthy approach.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with relevant policies and procedures.
Desirable
- Knowledge of farming, wildlife, countryside management, or rural industries.
- Understanding of rural and wildlife crime issues.
- Experience of community engagement, education, or volunteering activities.
Commitment
The role offers a flexible volunteering opportunity for individuals who wish to support Staffordshire Police in protecting rural communities, reducing crime, and improving public confidence across Staffordshire's rural areas.
