The
Providence Police Mounted Command was initiated in the fall
of 1979 at the behest of then mayor Vincent A. Cianci Jr.
The unit became trained and fully operational in the spring
of 1980.
The unit, which is headquartered at their own stable facility
in Roger Williams park, is comprised of 10 officers, 13
horses and a competent civillian staff. The Mounted Command
is an arm of the Patrol Bureau and routinely patrols the
Downcity area, the East Side, Federal Hill, Broad Street
and Roger Williams Park. The horses, which are sometimes
used for crowd control purposes, also serve as the main
public relations tool of the department.
While a police mount is intimidating enough to safely disperse
a disorderly crowd, the same horse is gentle enough to allow
a child to pet its muzzle. They are a common sight at Waterfire,
where patrols enhance public safety and foster good will.
The Mounted Unit has proven itself effective and versitile
and enjoys the support of Police Chief Dean Esserman. |
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