GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. -- The Kent County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Mounted Unit’s 12 horses and trained law enforcement officers (mounties) offer the police department in Michigan’s second largest city an excellent advantage at public events.
The KCSO mounties regularly provide law enforcement and safety detail at major events throughout Grand Rapids and Kent County. Most of the mounted unit’s assignments are from the Grand Rapids Police Department. The mounties are on patrol downtown during cultural and civic events, like parades, festivals and the city’s annual events that draw thousands from the region.
“The Mounted Unit is another tool in our toolbox that allows us to provide law enforcement support to surrounding agencies within our county. And our relationship with the Grand Rapids Police Department is certainly unique,” said Kent County Sheriff Larry Stelma in a prepared statement.
Mounties Create Connection
Grand Rapids Police Chief David Rahinsky said the relationship is beneficial for a number of reasons.
“Citizens are naturally drawn to police officers with dogs and horses…it creates an opportunity for officers to talk with citizens and for citizens to see officers in a positive role and to see their human side,” Rahinsky said. “Additionally, officers on horseback are much more visible to citizens than an officer on foot, especially in the downtown area or during events or festivals. This is also an advantage for the officer who has greater vision than an officer on foot and can see over large crowds or cars in a street.”
Training for the Mounted Unit for full time sworn officers requires completion of an 80-hour riding academy from a local trainer and 10 hours per month of continuing training.
The development of Kent County’s 20,000-square-foot indoor equestrian training center makes the program possible. The training center was supported with a more than $500,000 endowment from former ambassador to Italy Peter F. Secchia for year-round officer training. It also provided for work opportunities for inmates. The arena is also used by local 4-H groups, middle and high school riding teams, and provides recreational riding opportunities for persons with special needs.
“I wanted to do whatever I could to help the unit continue its mission now and well into the future,” said Secchia.