The Mounted Command is by far the most popular of all the units within the Providence Police Department. The Mounted Command is not only the main public relations tool of the department, it is also considered a working, functional unit of the Patrol Bureau.
     
The horses, which can reach upwards of 1800 pounds, are oftentimes used for crowd control purposes. 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 commom sight at Waterfire, where their patrols not only enhance public safety, they also foster good will.
     
The majority of the mounts are "draft crosses". (Heavily boned work horses such as Clydesdales, Percherons and Belgians, crossed with the lighter boned saddle breeds such as a Thoroughbred, an American Quarter Horse, a Morgan or an Arabian) These draft crosses are very strong boned, and, as such, they can handle the weight of heavy riders and walking on hard surfaces for long hours. They also tend not to shy easily, meaning that they are not easily startled and can readily be trained to perform their police duties. Most of the horses have been purchased in Canada.
     
All of the police mounts have been acquired through charitable donations. When a horse is sponsored, the donor is allowed to choose the name of the horse.