Mounted Patrol Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of heightened security and community engagement, the role of a Mounted Patrol Officer is becoming increasingly vital.

As urban landscapes evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, police, and protect our communities on horseback is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a Mounted Patrol Officer?

Whether you are:

• A job aspirant seeking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the unique dynamics of mounted patrol,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Mounted Patrol Officer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s saddle up and get started.

Mounted Patrol Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Mounted Patrol Officers, also known as Mounted Police, perform their law enforcement duties on horseback.

They work in urban areas, parks, or any area where a vehicle might not be efficient.

They are responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, and responding to incidents while effectively managing and caring for their horse partner.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Patrol designated areas on horseback, monitoring for any illegal activities or safety concerns
• Respond to calls for service, emergencies, and public inquiries
• Enforce local, state, and federal laws within the jurisdiction
• Issue citations for violations of laws and regulations
• Assist in crowd control during special events and gatherings
• Attend community events to provide a visible presence and engage with the public
• Perform search and rescue operations in areas inaccessible to vehicles
• Maintain the health and well-being of the patrol horse, including feeding, grooming, and exercising
• Train regularly with the patrol horse to ensure a strong working relationship and to maintain the horse’s comfort in various environments
• Document incidents and prepare reports as needed

 

Mounted Patrol Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Mounted Patrol Officer to join our law enforcement team.

Your main responsibility will be to provide a visible police presence and patrol designated areas on horseback.

You will be expected to interact with the public in a positive, approachable manner while also maintaining order and ensuring the safety and security of the community.

Our ideal candidate has experience working with horses, possesses excellent physical fitness, and has a strong understanding of law enforcement principles and procedures.

 

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas on horseback, maintaining visibility to deter crime
• Respond to calls for service and emergencies as required
• Enforce laws and ordinances and make arrests when necessary
• Provide assistance and information to the public
• Conduct crowd control during events
• Participate in community outreach and public relations activities
• Perform daily care and maintenance tasks for patrol horses
• Prepare and submit detailed reports and paperwork
• Work collaboratively with other law enforcement officers and agencies

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in law enforcement or a related field
• Experience working with and handling horses
• Excellent physical fitness and ability to pass physical agility tests
• Strong understanding of law enforcement procedures and protocols
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• High school diploma or equivalent; higher education or certification in Criminal Justice or related field is a plus
• Valid driver’s license

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Pension plan
• Paid time off
• Uniform allowance
• Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Mounted Patrol Officer
• Work Environment: Outdoor and variable weather conditions. Regular physical activity including riding and caring for horses.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Patrol Supervisor or Department Chief.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our force. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Mounted Patrol Officer Do?

Mounted Patrol Officers, also known as Mounted Police, work in law enforcement agencies while performing their duties on horseback.

They are typically employed in areas where their unique mode of transport offers advantages, such as parks, urban environments, or events with large crowds.

These officers patrol designated areas on their horses to maintain public safety, enforce laws, and respond to incidents.

They have the same authority as regular police officers and can perform arrests, issue citations, and conduct investigations.

One key responsibility of a Mounted Patrol Officer is to maintain and train their horse.

This involves daily grooming, feeding, and exercising, as well as understanding the horse’s behavior and health.

They need to ensure that their horse remains calm and controlled in various situations, from crowd control to chasing a suspect.

Mounted Patrol Officers also often participate in community outreach programs.

They interact with the public, answer questions, and educate people about the role and importance of mounted police units.

Their presence on horseback can act as a deterrent to crime and often helps in fostering positive relationships with the community.

Moreover, Mounted Patrol Officers may be required to participate in parades, ceremonial events, or even search and rescue missions, showcasing the versatility and utility of their roles.

 

Mounted Patrol Officer Qualifications and Skills

Mounted Patrol Officers utilize a mix of law enforcement skills, horse handling skills, and public relations abilities, including:

• Excellent horsemanship skills, including riding, grooming, feeding, and understanding horse behavior to maintain the health and safety of the patrol horse.
• Strong law enforcement skills to enforce local laws and regulations, maintain public order, and respond to emergencies effectively.
• Physical fitness and stamina to ride for long periods and perform physically demanding tasks if necessary.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills to interact with the public, provide information, and handle complaints in a professional manner.
• Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
• Observation and surveillance skills to detect criminal activity and gather evidence.
• Problem-solving skills to assess situations quickly and make decisions under pressure.
• Knowledge of first-aid and CPR can be beneficial in emergency situations.
• Understanding of local laws, regulations, and departmental policies.

 

Mounted Patrol Officer Experience Requirements

Mounted Patrol Officers typically start as regular police officers.

As such, they should attend a police academy and complete a training program which includes classroom instruction, physical training, and fieldwork.

This will gain them a significant amount of theoretical and practical experience as law enforcement officers.

Some police departments may require officers to serve a certain amount of time on foot patrol before being eligible to transfer to the mounted unit.

This is to ensure that officers have gained sufficient experience and knowledge in law enforcement procedures and community engagement.

Once they have been chosen for the mounted unit, officers usually undergo additional training in horsemanship and equine care.

This could range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the individual’s previous riding experience and the specific requirements of the police department.

Officers with more than 5 years of experience on mounted patrol may have gained some leadership experience and could be considered for supervisory or managerial roles within the unit.

Those with a significant amount of mounted patrol experience may also be tasked with training new recruits to the unit.

It is also advantageous for Mounted Patrol Officers to have some formal education or training in animal behavior or veterinary science.

This knowledge can help them better understand and care for their equine partners, and can be gained through college courses, workshops, or on-the-job experience.

 

Mounted Patrol Officer Education and Training Requirements

Mounted Patrol Officers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by police academy training.

It is necessary to complete and graduate from an approved police academy training program which includes coursework on law enforcement principles, ethics, criminal justice, and law.

After becoming a police officer, additional specialty training in mounted patrol is needed.

This training focuses on equestrian skills, equine behavior, and crowd control techniques from horseback.

Experience in horse riding is often required, and professional experience in equestrian activities or care is a plus.

Some police departments require their mounted patrol officers to have a certain number of years of general police experience before moving into the specialized mounted division.

While not mandatory, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field may be beneficial and can enhance promotion opportunities.

Continued education and training are essential in this role for staying current with law enforcement practices and maintaining horse riding skills.

Certifications in first aid, crisis response, and other law enforcement specialties may also be advantageous.

Physical fitness is a prerequisite for this role, as riding and controlling a horse requires strength and endurance.

 

Mounted Patrol Officer Salary Expectations

A Mounted Patrol Officer earns an average salary of $52,000 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can greatly fluctuate based on factors such as experience, training, location, and the specific department or agency of employment.

 

Mounted Patrol Officer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Mounted Patrol Officer need?

Mounted Patrol Officers should possess good communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with the public.

They should have excellent horsemanship skills including grooming, feeding and caring for their horse, as well as riding and controlling the horse in various situations.

They should also be proficient in law enforcement techniques and have a good understanding of local laws and ordinances.

 

What is the process to become a Mounted Patrol Officer?

To become a Mounted Patrol Officer, one must first be a trained and experienced law enforcement officer.

Some police departments require applicants to have a certain amount of patrol experience before applying for a specialized unit like the Mounted Patrol.

Once selected, they undergo additional training in horsemanship and mounted law enforcement tactics.

 

What should you look for in a Mounted Patrol Officer resume?

In a resume for a Mounted Patrol Officer, look for prior law enforcement experience and any specialized training they may have.

Horse riding experience or certifications can be beneficial, as well as any previous work in a Mounted Patrol Unit.

Skills in community outreach and public relations may also be relevant as these officers often interact with the public.

 

What qualities make a good Mounted Patrol Officer?

A good Mounted Patrol Officer will possess excellent horsemanship skills and a deep understanding of law enforcement procedures.

They should also have good physical fitness, as the job involves a significant amount of outdoor work and can be physically demanding.

Additionally, they should have strong communication skills, a calm demeanor in stressful situations, and a commitment to community service.

 

Is it difficult to hire Mounted Patrol Officers?

Hiring Mounted Patrol Officers can be challenging as it requires finding candidates who possess the necessary law enforcement skills and experience, as well as horsemanship abilities.

Furthermore, they must be willing to take on the additional responsibilities and physical demands associated with this specialized role.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a closer look at what it truly means to be a Mounted Patrol Officer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about riding a horse.

It’s about ensuring public safety, one patrol at a time.

With our handy Mounted Patrol Officer job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patrol contributes to a safer community.

Let’s ensure that safety. Together.

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