LAPD Mounted Platoon Open House

On Saturday September 20, 2008, the Mounted Platoon, a part of the Department’s elite Metropolitan Division, opened the barn doors to the Ahmanson Equestrian Facility for its annual open house.  Families enjoyed the afternoon touring the two-acre facility as they got an up close look at the forty horse barn that includes American Quarter horses.

After the posting of the colors, Lieutenant Ann Barrera, gave the welcome address.  In the  Arena, the Mounted Platoon gave an insiders’ perspective as to how they train their horses and simulated field exercises in apprehending suspects.  The K9 Unit was also on hand to demonstrate how they assist in searching and finding suspects, as well as SWAT officers who reenacted a hostage rescue.

Visitors were treated to static displays from the SWAT Team, Bomb Squad, Fire Department, and Department’s Historical Museum.  Children enjoyed petting the horses, rock climbing, and had their identification photo and fingerprints taken.

The Mounted Platoon was established in 1987 as a component of the Metropolitan Division and is currently composed of 35 full-time sworn police personnel, including 1 Lieutenant, 4 Sergeants and 30 Police Officers.  Each Mounted Platoon officer is required to complete a 200-hour equestrian training program prior to being assigned to field duty.  The comprehensive course covers basic and advanced equitation skills, tactics, equine physiology and psychology.

As part of their crowd management duties, the Department’s Mounted Platoon can be seen at public demonstrations working with foot patrol officers in controlling large groups of protestors.  Their presence provides visible security and a sense of assurance at large festivals and parades.  Mounted Platoon also has an active role in high-profile crime suppression in targeted crime areas throughout the City.  Additional Mounted Platoon duties include public park enforcement, public beach enforcement during the summer months, and search and rescue of lost or missing persons in mountainous and dense terrain areas of the City.

Comments

[tanner dolan]

I have been to several of the lAPD open house events but this one takes the cake. I was so impresseed with the trainer Don Anderson, what a spactacular training display he shed great insight for the public during his training demonstration. I have alot of respect for the mounted unit but "wow" you have great trainers.Hats off to Don he did an outstanding job. I have a new found respect for the trainers and the horses.I had no idea the hard work and knowlege it takes to train a police horse. Job well done don. Looking forward to seeing what he does next year.

[pdhog]

Cinsidetring the City's budget cuts and the increasing fuel costs, we will all be "mounted" in the near future. "Barkeep! Wiskey for my men and beer for our horses!