The Broken Arrow Police Department has received approval from City Council to form a new part-time specialty unit consisting of full-time police officers and their partner horses.
The Mounted Patrol Unit will lend meaningful support to special event management, directed patrol operations, searches, ceremonies such as parades and funerals, public relations, and a wide variety of other scenarios.
“The Mounted Patrol Unit is another example of the Broken Arrow Police Department’s efforts to provide and ensure public safety within our community,” said Police Chief Brandon Berryhill. “During our research about the viability of forming this unit, we learned there is great value in having officers on horseback for situations like police searches, patrol operations, and managing crowded events, while also being a benefit to us at community functions to help build lasting relationships with Broken Arrow citizens.”
When the horses are deployed for duty, they will be commissioned as Reserve Officers. When not on the clock, each horse is the personal property of the police officer who is also responsible for the horse’s care, including its food and boarding. Each member of the MPU will complete free accredited training from a CLEET certified instructor and earn the required certification prior to deployment.
The cost to purchase equipment to form the Mounted Patrol Unit is $15,000 and will be paid for using Public Safety Sales Tax funds.
The Mounted Patrol Unit is expected to be available in the spring of 2023.
To watch a discussion about the Mounted Patrol Unit, please click this link to watch the presentation at the 24:22 mark of the Nov. 1st City Council Meeting.
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