From the Mayor

from theMAYOR

Think about it this way: Is a person more likely to approach a squad car and bang on the window to ask for help and information than to go up to an officer on horseback under the same circumstances?

Let’s bring back the mounties

BY MAYOR KENT GUINN

We are proud to be known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” a moniker Ocala has earned over the years not just for its propensity to produce thoroughbred race horses, but for its contributions to the equine industry as a whole. For this reason, it must be curious to some that Ocala does not have a mounted police force, something that seems only natural for Marion County.

The time has come to bring back horse-mounted police officers to Ocala – for many years up to about 15 years ago Ocala did enjoy a mounted force – and there are reasons for it beyond just the aesthetics. Perhaps the most famous mounted police unit is in New York City, where officers on horseback are able to patrol the largest city in the nation and at times are a bit of a tourist attraction. In Gainesville, the police department currently has 50 horses in its mounted unit.

We love to look at horses – they are attractive and powerful animals – and at the same time they are very useful and efficient tools. Well-trained animals such as horses and dogs have been a valuable part of community policing for many years, and I think it is time to take advantage of this valuable resource that is so commonplace here. Sitting atop a horse, an officer seems to command a bit of respect beyond even what the badge provides. He can view an area from what is essentially a mobile perch, making the job a bit easier and even safer when one considers the alternative of taking off in an automobile after a fleeing suspect through a crowd. The downtown area gets more and more vibrant with each passing day and the number of events and gatherings is only going to keep growing, meaning that it will be necessary to utilize all tools at our disposal to ensure these events will be safe. Mounted units, I believe, are one of the best ways of achieving this goal. The wheels are in motion in exploring the feasibility and utility of a mounted unit for Ocala and I am excited about the prospects. Beyond the utility of such a unit is what I believe would make for a great public relations tool for the city. Not just a good look for the police department, a mounted unit offers a more positive means of interaction with the citizenry. Think about it this way: Is a person more likely to approach a squad car and bang on the window to ask for help and information than to go up to an officer on horseback under the same circumstances?

There are certain logistics that will need to be taken care of, such as barns for the animals, tack, veterinary and farrier services, but these should be simple to accomplish here.

In discussions with City Council members, the response has been positive – it is a budget issue as well as a police issue, but I believe we have the resources to accomplish this.

In April, the North American Mounted Unit Commanders Association will hold its annual conference in Ocala and it will be exciting to listen to these experts and get their opinions and advice. Perhaps soon, we will not only host such a conference but send members in high standing as well.