Mounted Patrol

The mission of the Madison Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit is to represent the Madison Police Department while on horseback as ambassadors of goodwill, to build and strengthen community partnerships, and deter criminal activity through high visibility engagement.

Why Mounted Police?

Many people ask why a police department would have a mounted patrol unit. Here are 3 major reasons why mounted policing in today’s society is a continuing tradition and a sought after community policing tool:

1. Community Engagement combined with High Visibility Neighborhood Patrols

   There is no better tool for community policing and engaging the public than patrolling on horseback. No one wants to pet a police car! Police horses are an approachable means for an officer to interact with the community- they draw people from their homes, workplaces and out of their vehicles to say ‘hello’ and learn about the beautiful animal they see before them. This is the perfect platform for mounted officers to discuss community safety and advise people about any issues or crimes that are occurring in their neighborhoods. Many neighbors meet for the first time when interacting with the police horses on patrol. Getting to know your neighbors is one step closer to having a safer community!

   The City of Madison Mounted Patrol Unit patrols city-wide throughout the week and make special appearances for those requesting a visit called Community Corrals. On weekends, you can commonly see the police horses working downtown Madison in the entertainment district or at a special event.

2. Crowd Management and Special Events

   One horse is equal to 10+ officers on foot. The horse and riders’ height affords them a great vantage point high above the crowd. People can easily find a mounted officer if they need assistance as the 9-10’ tall officers’ do not get lost in the crowd as an officer on foot might. A mounted team can swiftly move through dense crowds and the officer can give clear, concise directives as a result of being so visible. People tend to move cooperatively and compliantly without the use of force when a mounted unit is trying to make space quickly to clear an area or resolve an active disturbance.

3. Search and Rescue

   Being on a horse is like being on a moving step ladder. The officers’ vantage point from horseback allows them to see down and into thick brush and foliage. The mounted unit has worked in conjunction with police K9’s and can search areas more methodically after a K9 track to better determine if a lost person is still in that area. Horses walk through thick areas quicker than someone on foot and can ride into areas not easily navigable by vehicle. Mounted unit members are also used in evidence searches where a crime may have occurred or where evidence is believed to have been discarded.