Mike Penning, MP for the Hemel Hempstead constituency, joined Rural Special Constables Richard Downs and Nigel Lacey to see for himself how the new Rural Police Vehicle is shaping up.

The new Police Land Rover was first deployed at the end of April this year and has already covered 1,300 miles in the rural area of Dacorum.

The vehicle – which is specifically covers the rural area of Watling Ward – is currently assigned for a trial period but has already been well received. The vehicle is funded by the local communities it serves with backing from Parish Councils, local businesses and some farmers.

Mike and the rural beat officers met with local farmers in Flamstead and Markyate, before carrying out patrol duties in Markyate.

Mike said:
“I welcome this new initiative and fully support the rural police patrol. The benefits of a specially assigned vehicle are abundantly clear and I very much hope that this will become a permanent feature.”

Rural Special Constable Richard Downs added:
“I have had an enormous amount of support from my regular Police colleagues and am very proud of the work we have achieved especially with the use of the Land Rover as it’s the only one in the County.”

It is hoped that this scheme will be rolled out over the whole of Hertfordshire, which is the leading force in the country for the Rural Special, and also has a mounted division.

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