Officers can easily converse with people who are out in their yards or
neighborhood. Horses can go places that might be hard to access by
vehicle. Officers also can get a different perspective of an area from
their position on horseback compared to inside a vehicle. Because of the
history of mounted units, people often view mounted officers and their
horses as being very approachable, which helps develop community
relations. Together, this adds up to a unique way to provide additional
service to the community.
How to Participate
If interested in participating in the Mounted Unit, volunteers must first join the
Search and Rescue Unit and attend a variety of trainings. Mounted Unit volunteers must complete an equine desensitization obstacle course and equine overnight bivouac. After participating as a member of the Mounted Unit Search and Rescue Team, volunteers can apply to become a mounted community patrol volunteer. If accepted into the program, they are sent to the Arizona Mounted Police Officers Academy and receive 80 hours of additional police-oriented mounted training.