Woman joins mounted police unit after family member dies in crash

Emily Thomas joined a mounted police volunteer unit in Warwickshire, England, to help the police combat rural crime.

She decided to volunteer after her mother-in-law, Marguerite Thomas, died in a car crash two years ago. Thomas stated that the compassion shown by family liaison officers during that time inspired her to give back to the police force. The mounted volunteers do not hold police powers, but they use helmet cameras to act as extra eyes and ears in the countryside.

The group helps the Warwickshire Police investigate issues such as fly-tipping and antisocial behavior. They also participate in national road safety campaigns like Operation Close Pass and Operation Insight. The Warwickshire Police funded the training and equipment for the mounted unit using £8,000 from a Problem Solving Fund. This fund provides money for projects that address local issues.

Sgt Ruth Day, who leads the volunteers, said the group helps reach under-represented areas that the police may not be able to patrol at all times. Thomas admitted she struggled with a lack of trust in other drivers after the accident. She said she had to find the strength to ride her horse, Rupert, back onto public roads. The Rural Crime Team in Warwickshire investigated almost 1,200 incidents and 167 crimes between January and September 2026.