FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2002
Columbia Mounted Patrol needs horses
COLUMBIA--- The Columbia Police Department’s Mounted Patrol is in the process of replacing several of their horses. One of the patrol’s horses died in the line of duty after being hit by a citizen during a civil disturbance. Another horse recently underwent surgery and will have an extensive recovery period. The Columbia Police Department’s Mounted Patrol is calling for donations of geldings, 15.3 hands and higher and aged 5 to 12 years.
In 1993, Chief Charles P. Austin was approached by the Five Points Merchants’ Association to form a mounted patrol unit. The Association donated $5,000 toward the establishment of the unit. Horses were secured by donations from citizens, and the unit officially began enforcing criminal and traffic laws in March of 1993.
Officers assigned to the mounted patrol unit are high visibility officers used to curtail criminal activity in both residential and commercial areas of the City of Columbia. The unit promotes the community policing philosophies as they conduct community programs and interact with citizens while on patrol.
For more information or to donate a horse, call the Columbia Police Department’s Mounted Patrol office at 803-691-0496.