Kent’s Only Mounted Cop Joins Rural Crime Task Force
Kent’s Rural Task Force has just gained a unique new member — Special Constable Alaine Benardis and her trusty pony, Jack. The duo have been a familiar sight patrolling New Ash Green since 2014, offering a reassuring presence and chatting with locals about policing issues.
Jack the Calm Pony Is a Community Favourite
Jack, now 21, is known for his calm, unshakeable nature. Together, he and SC Benardis have clocked hundreds of volunteer hours serving the community. Beyond patrols, Alaine has played a big role with Gravesend Volunteer Police Cadets — many of whom have gone on to join Kent Police.
Joining Forces to Tackle Rural Crime
In October, the pair were welcomed into the Specials Rural Task Force — an elite group of seven officers dedicated to fighting rural crime. Their mission includes cracking down on illegal off-road motorcycling, hare coursing, and farm machinery theft in hard-to-reach areas.
Campaigning for Horse Safety on the Roads
SC Benardis and Jack will keep patrolling and hope to build on recent successes like the British Horse Society’s ‘pass wide and slow’ campaign, raising awareness about motorists passing horses safely.
Special Constable Benardis, a retired teacher, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to work with colleagues with a specialist knowledge of rural crime and I am looking forward to continuing my patrols of New Ash Green with Jack and working with the team to address any issues raised by the community.”
