Minneapolis’ Mounted Police Unit
Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 4:25AMArticle by Becky Fillinger, photos provided
A discussion with MPD Mounted Police Executive Director, Sgt. Adrian Infante
Have you seen the mounted police officers in downtown Minneapolis or at community events? The horses are striking and unflappable. We were curious about the history of the mounted unit and talked to Executive Director Sgt. Adrian Infante to learn more.
Sgt. Adrian InfanteQ: How many years has Minneapolis had a police equestrian unit?
A: Before modern times, Minneapolis obviously used mounted patrols. In early 1992, the Minneapolis Police Department started to discuss having a unit for special events. In 1994, we assembled the first unit, and 1995 was our first riding season.
Q: When are the mounted patrols utilized?
A: Policing on horseback continues to be one of the most effective crime fighting tools. The Mounted Patrol Unit helps with large crowd control, crime control (on horseback, an officer is at least 10 feet tall which helps deter crime over a large area). Horses can go quickly where a squad car cannot, we help with search and rescue and can last longer than officers on foot in search and rescue situations.
However, our unit is used for much more than crime control. People are drawn to the horses and we know that they definitely break down barriers between the police department and the community. Kids love seeing the mounted patrols. You’ll see us at the Aquatennial, we’re downtown in Spring, Summer and Fall – we’re at large concerts, sporting events, parades, senior homes and at National Night Out.
MPD Detective Maurice Salmon, 1930Q: How many horses are in the MPD equestrian unit? Are there minimal standards for the horses? Where are the horses stabled?
A: We have 12 horses in the program now. We stable them in the West Metro in the Maple Plain area. There are standards for our horses – they must be at least 15.3 hands in height and they must have a calm demeanor. Maintaining composure is vitally important for these horses. The horses must also have a great deal of stamina.
Q: How many officers are assigned to the mounted patrol? Do they serve full time as mounted officers?
A: We have two full time police officers assigned to the mounted unit. They train and take care of the horses and help train new mounted officers. The MPD has another 15 part time riders that are available for specific events. Seven new part time officers were just trained in for the mounted unit.
Q: Could you tell us about the training for newly appointed mounted riders?
A: Yes – it is intensive! Some officers tell us that it is much more strenuous than SWAT school. Officers interview for the patrol and take a practical assessment. Then, if accepted, there is a 6-week mounted class - 80-90% of the training is done in the saddle. No prior horse or riding experience is needed. Our trainers work with the officers to learn elements of confidence, dressage and etiquette. I never thought that I would be a "horse cop" – but I joined the unit in 2017 and I absolutely love my assignment.
Q: How do your officers in the equestrian units stay current on strategies and best practices for mounted police?
A: This is one of my primary concerns. We are members of professional associations, which provide extraordinary initial and refresher courses for our officers and horses. We also have ongoing good conversations between units with larger mounted units – such as New Orleans or New York City – we learn from their experiences and we share ours with them.
Q: How may we support your department?
A: The Minneapolis Police Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was founded to provide ongoing financial support to the Mounted Police Unit. Follow us on Facebook and check here for other ways to donate and be involved.
In the community:
