NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

If a problem should develop with the canine in the area of training, the Chief of Police
should be notified as soon as possible. The Chief of Police may allow and authorize
additional training time to rectify the problem(s).
6.5.3 Mounted Patrol Unit Procedures
A. The New Albany Police Department Mounted Horse Unit is made up of a professionally
certified horse and rider. The New Albany Police Department’s Mounted Horse and officer
have been trained in directed patrol, criminal apprehension, crowd control, community
policing, search and rescue, and drill and ceremony. The primary duty of the New Albany
Police Department’s Mounted Unit is community relations, however, because of the
specialized training, the Mounted Unit can be a support unit for patrol and community
policing events.
Mounted Police Horses are trained to disregard normal noises, activities, and contact.
The Mounted Unit is generally gentle and free from bad habits such as biting or kicking.
The Mounted Unit however, cannot always distinguish between a real or perceived threat.
If a threat is perceived by a Mounted Unit, it may instinctively strike or kick out but will
generally engage its “flight” response. Mounted Unit officers must instruct other law
enforcement officers and citizens to refrain from making any aggressive or predatory type
movements around the Mounted Unit.
B. Special Details/Events
It is common for the Mounted Unit to be assigned to special details, presentations and
public or private events. In order to maintain coordination and scheduling integrity, all
requests for the Mounted Unit will be forwarded to the Mounted Unit officer’s shift
sergeant and Chief of Police for approval. With approval, the Mounted Unit may be
utilized for any of the following reasons:
Public and Private Events
Crowd Control
Searches
Parades
Neighborhood Patrol
Mutual Aid
Honor Guard Ceremonies
Prior to any special detail, presentation or public/private event, the Mounted Unit shall be
brushed, groomed and presentable to the public. The Mounted Unit and equipment will be
maintained in a condition as to be a credit to the officer and the New Albany Police
Department.
C. Care and Maintenance
The daily care of the Mounted Unit is the responsibility of the officer who owns the horse.
The officer shall ensure that the horse is groomed and checked for injuries or illness on a
regular basis. The officer is also responsible for the cleaning, care, and maintenance of
the saddle and tack and that the equipment is in good working condition for duty.
The Mounted Unit officer will ensure Police Department personnel or the public do not:
Discipline the horse
Agitate or disturb the horse
Give the horse any command (unless the rider is incapacitated)
Feed the horse without the rider’s consent
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