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Mount Up! Pasadena Police Ask To Restore Mounted Unit After 19-Year Hiatus

Horses could be back on the beat after in Pasadena City Council considers a $130,000 annual program that would rely upon officers' personal horses

Published on Monday, October 28, 2024 | 4:22 am
 

The Pasadena Police Department hopes to bring back its mounted police unit, nearly two decades after the program was discontinued in 2005. The City Council will consider a proposal Monday to reestablish the horse-mounted patrol unit with five officers using their personal horses for law enforcement duties.

The mounted unit would be deployed for crowd control and to assist with natural disaster responses, as well as search and rescue operations in areas with limited vehicle access.

Mounted officers would also participate in special events, demonstrations, and parades.

The proposal, appearing on the Council’s consent calendar — a section typically reserved for routine items approved with a single vote — would authorize a side letter agreement between the city and the Pasadena Police Officers Association to create the ‘Mounted Enforcement Unit.’

Under the agreement, officers would lease their horses to the city for $1 per year while receiving $22.50 per hour for off-duty horse care, compensated for one hour per day, seven days per week. The compensation covers tasks including feeding and cleaning the horse, attending to physical health and grooming, training and medication, arranging veterinary care, and performing daily maintenance of the horse’s equipment and vehicle.

According to the Human Resources Department proposal, the mounted unit’s benefits include promoting positive community interactions, utilizing proactive enforcement techniques, and establishing a visible police presence to reduce crime.

The program would cost approximately $65,000 for the remainder of fiscal year 2025 and up to $130,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2026, with 100% of costs impacting the General Fund.

These costs would be absorbed within the Police Department’s existing operating budget, with staff monitoring personnel expenses and requesting additional appropriations if necessary during the fiscal year.

The city’s agreement includes provisions for equipment including department saddle, saddle blanket, saddle bag, badge, and assignment of a horse trailer and towing vehicle.

The agreement provides comprehensive coverage for veterinary expenses up to $7,500 per injury while horses are on duty, plus a death benefit of up to $10,000 if a horse dies while performing police duties.

The agreement was developed following discussions between staff and the Police Association on August 6, 2024.

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