Task Forces

The Task Forces within the Local Policing Command provide the Constabulary’s proactive capability — delivering intelligence-led operations to target offenders, reduce harm, and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.

These teams operate across district and area boundaries, ensuring flexibility and rapid deployment wherever emerging threats arise. Working closely with local Neighbourhoods, Response, and Investigations colleagues, they provide the tactical edge in Hampshire’s fight against crime.

Violent Crime Task Force (VCTF)

The Violent Crime Task Force is a specialist, proactive policing unit dedicated to tackling serious violence, weapon-enabled offending, and the exploitation of vulnerable people.

Its purpose is to prevent, detect, and disrupt violent crime through intelligence-driven policing, targeted enforcement, and community engagement.

Core Objectives

• Target and dismantle organised criminal networks involved in violence, weapons, and drugs.

• Conduct proactive patrols in knife-crime and high-harm areas.

• Disrupt gang-related activity and county lines drug networks.

• Support serious assault and violent crime investigations.

• Work closely with Neighbourhood teams to identify repeat offenders and hotspots.

• Engage with young people at risk of exploitation or gang involvement.

Operations and Tactics

VCTF officers deploy covert and overt tactics, including stop and search, surveillance, and rapid response operations.
They work closely with the Specialist Crime Command, Public Protection, and Intelligence, Tasking & Development Command to share intelligence and coordinate joint activity.

Every operation aims to protect communities from violence and build long-term prevention through partnership working and education initiatives.

Leadership

The VCTF is overseen by a Detective Inspector reporting to the Area Detective Superintendent (Local Policing), with operational support from the Area Tasking & Coordination Group (TCG).

Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force (RCTF)

The Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force strengthens Hampshire’s response to rural and wildlife crime.
Building on the long-standing Country Watch initiative, it brings together specialist knowledge, advanced technology, and proactive policing to protect rural communities and the countryside.

Purpose and Role

• Prevent, detect, and disrupt rural crime including theft, burglary, poaching, hare coursing, and fly-tipping.

• Target serious and organised criminals operating across borders.

• Safeguard rural businesses, farmers, landowners, and wildlife.

• Provide visible patrols in rural and remote areas.

• Work with partners such as the National Farmers Union (NFU), Environment Agency, and local authorities.

The RCTF’s proactive arm conducts targeted operations to tackle cross-border offending, using mobile ANPR, drones, and vehicle stops to identify and apprehend offenders.

Structure

The RCTF operates as part of Country Watch, incorporating:

• The Country Watch Core Team – neighbourhood and engagement-focused rural officers.

• The Proactive Rural Crime Team – targeting organised and acquisitive rural offenders.

• The Rural Intelligence Cell – developing intelligence and identifying emerging rural threats.

Specialist Capabilities

• Rural Patrol Vehicles equipped with ANPR and drone technology.

• Thermal Imaging and Night-Vision Equipment for night patrols.

• Partnership Operations with Trading Standards, Environment Agency, and neighbouring forces.

Leadership

The Task Force is managed by an Inspector (Rural Crime Lead), supported by Sergeants and specialist Constables with expertise in rural investigations, wildlife protection, and community engagement.

Strategic oversight sits with the Area Commanders under the Local Policing Command, with investment and support from the Cabinet Member for the Home Department. 

Working Together

Both the Violent Crime Task Force and the Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force collaborate extensively with other commands and departments, including:

• Local Crime Investigations (CID) for linked or escalated investigations.

• Specialist Crime Command for serious and organised criminality.

• Public Protection and Safeguarding when vulnerable people are identified.

• Joint Operations Unit (JOU) for tactical support and coordination during high-risk or multi-force operations.

Through shared intelligence, joint tasking, and coordinated enforcement, these units ensure Hampshire’s communities — from urban centres to rural villages — remain safe and resilient.

In Summary

The Task Forces bring together the Constabulary’s proactive policing capability, ensuring that those who cause the most harm are relentlessly pursued.

Whether dismantling violent networks or protecting rural livelihoods, these teams represent the sharp end of Hampshire’s fight against serious and organised crime. 

Explore more:

• Local Policing Command (LPC)

• Prevention and Neighbourhoods

• Response

• Local Crime Investigations

• Local Bobbies