Mission
The mission of a Mounted Patrol Unit is to provide mounted resources to the Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department for the purposes of community outreach, routing patrol, search and rescue and crowd control.
Strategy
The strategy behind using mounted officers in law enforcement is that they create a visible and approachable law enforcement presence in neighborhoods and large crowd events where the presence is needed most. It is proven that increased visibility by the “four-legged law officers” lowers crime and increases public trust and confidence in their law enforcement.
Police officers and horses work together to provide the community effective, quality service. Due to the increased height of the horse the mounted officer is able to survey a large area quickly and address problem situations effectively. One mounted patrol officer and his/her horse has been compared to the effectiveness of 10 to 12 police officers on the ground in crowd control situations. The mounted patrol can be an integral factor in the success of huge events and be a much needed asset in the assistance of search and rescue.
The officer and his mount are also a crime deterrent due to their increased visibility to the public. A mounted officer is able to transverse geographical areas in which it would be difficult for police officers in cars, on bicycles or on foot to proceed.
Goals
The Muscogee Nation Mounted Patrol goals are to:
- Promote a positive relationship between law enforcement, the community, and surrounding agencies.
- Prevent crime and promote public safety.