Karen Bune
Special Topics Contributor
Officer.com
Chopper, Captain, Clancy, Mumbo, Agnes, Shorty, Dillie, Pellie, Camden, Brooklyn, Jacob, Jasper, Monty, and the nine officers and one sergeant who comprise the Boston Police Department’s Horse Mounted Unit (BPD HMU) may soon be singing the lyrics of Neil Sedaka’s song, “Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do†if the dismal outlook for their unit does not change rapidly. Like many other major cities and localities throughout the country, Boston is also confronted with significant economic woes. Though the unit’s operating budget is received through the city, it is not a huge budget.
In attempting to deal with the fiscal crises that both the city and police department are confronted with, there is serious and imminent talk of dismantling the historic horse-mounted unit that has existed for 150 years and was the first one in the nation to be established. Already the nine civilian hostlers in the unit, who are on the city payroll, are being laid off. “The civilians are devastated,†says Officer James Naughton, a training officer within the unit.
The BPD HMU is a part of Boston’s history and has been a highly successful component of the police department. Many dignitaries and celebrities visit the city, and the unit is essential for dignitary protection as well as escorts. The unit has a visible presence at war protests and civil disturbances where it has quelled violence. It is highly effective in controlling crowds, and the horse-mounted officers are seen at major sporting events, parades, and celebrations in the historic city. At a Celtics event, there were 500-600 people breaking down barriers that had been set up. The horse-mounted unit was able to assist in rapidly controlling the crowd. Officer Naughton explains that once the crowd saw the horses coming, they began retreating.
The horse-mounted officers are frequently seen on night patrol in the Fenway area where a significant amount of prostitution and armed robberies occur. In February 2009, a college student was robbed of his cell phone and laptop. Two males knocked the student down and beat him. A witness observed the incident and spotted two horse-mounted officers in the area and relayed what had occurred. The horse-mounted officers, who were in the nearby area, were able to quickly search for the suspects and easily spotted them from the vantage point of their height atop the horses. The culprits were apprehended, and the victim was able to have his property returned to him.
The BPD HMU can also be spotted during the day in neighborhoods that prove to be problematic. The unit receives intelligence reports and is able to saturate areas where their assistance may be beneficial. They also patrol the downtown area from 1:30-4:30 p.m. where students from the local schools and gangs congregate.
The public relations aspect of the unit is of tremendous benefit to public safety efforts as well. “The unit breaks down barriers between police and the community,†says Officer Naughton. In addition, during the summer months, a Junior Police Academy is held and participants spend a half a day becoming acquainted with the unit and the horses.
“The horses have been here forever,†says Officer Naughton. The department has “always had it,†he adds. The mere thought of losing their unit is utterly devastating to all the officers who comprise the unit. “If it goes, it’s never coming back,†says Officer Naughton who is a 21-year veteran of the police department and has been in the horse-mounted unit for the past ten years.
Former members of the United States Capitol Police Horse-Mounted Unit completely understand what the Boston unit is facing. Their unit was disbanded several years ago after only 14 months in existence. Those officers, too, were profoundly affected by the loss of their unit and the relinquishment of their horses. Officers develop a bond and a working relationship with their horses. Consequently, it is a traumatic disruption and adjustment in their lives when they have to part ways with their horses.
Importantly, however, is the fact that horse-mounted units are a highly effective law enforcement tool that is vital to effective public safety in any major city. Boston’s unit is not only the oldest in the nation, but it is a proven entity in the department’s history. This unit must remain in place, and vociferous voices and proactive efforts must quickly mobilize to ensure this happens. Everyone who cares about public safety needs to reach out and act now to make a difference in keeping this unit in place. Miracles can and do happen and, in the case of the Boston Police Department’s Horse-Mounted Unit, they need one fast. Please do all you can to help save this unit!
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/3/Save-Boston-Police-Mounted-Unit
