Horse Patrols

cson

I've always wondered about the effectiveness of horseback policing. Aside from offering a higher vantage point and acting as a visual deterrent, what is the rationale behind it?

iceage

Have proved to be a major asset in searches for missing people in wooded and Hilly terrain.
Also there's the ceremonial occasions as well. Ever seen a mounted charge?

charlemont

She's a fine horse, Boss.

gozunda

From Gardai Mounted Unit

Policing on horse-back is ideal for high visibility crime prevention. Mounted Gardaí sit several feet above the height of a crowd with the result that they have a good vantage point and can be easily recognised by members of the public.

Functions of the Mounted Support Unit include:

•Crime prevention and detection patrols – supporting mainstream policing
•Searches for missing persons over rough terrain that is inaccessible to vehicles
•Community policing including school and community project visits
•Major event policing e.g. matches, concerts and festivals
•Public order and crowd control

LINK

cocoshovel

Horses are also very intimidating animals when used right, but at the same time they're nice animals

one2one

It's very rare you'll see some scumbag run at a mounted officer. They're very effective from what I've seen!

goldie fish

You don't know pain until a police horse has stood on your toes.(any horse for that matter)

Rawhead

Are they still using the old nags that were on the way to the knackers yard they got from the english police or are they training they're own now?

gozunda

Rawhead wrote: »

Are they still using the old nags that were on the way to the knackers yard they got from the english police or are they training they're own now?

The Garda use registered Irish Draught hosrses sourced from Ireland. They UK Police force also uses Irish Draught Horses because of their good temperament, etc. I believe the Garda first horses in the mounted unit were trained the UK. The training of these horses now takes place in Ireland.

kub

Do the horses also have 'D' registrations?

deadwood

They can't sign passport either.
They never have pens.

BrianD

Have they ever been deployed in search operations over rough terrain?