BOSTON PD’s HMU IS IN JEOPARDY
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
I think horses are a wonderful bridge to the community in addition to being a crime fighting tool. It would be a shame to lose an obvious edge.
It’s really too bad. We lost our Mounted Unit in Detroit a few years back and I was very proud to be part of it. That was also the final straw that broke the horses back, among other things and I left the dept. And it was not because of budget problems either. The chief had a hard on for that unit because it was mostly made up of white officers.
Mike,
I’m sorry to learn you lost your HMU and that it was the final straw for you. HMUs are so valuable and it is extremely unfortunate to see the beginning trend of having them first in the line of fire when it comes to budget cuts. It is apparent to me that you were deeply affected by that move. I wish you well in your endeavors.
Karen,
I signed the petition and added the following memo:
I would re think the disbanding of the mounted patrol. It could affect your ability to draw tour groups and conventions who might opt to go to another city with a stronger police presence in and around the inner city. No conventions or tourist no tax revenue.
Consider using the loss of tourist tax revenues as a weapon to combat the cuts. Also changing their funding source. Your downtown business district might be willing to support the unit. Here is a question to pose to your readers that could be sent to the powers of
Boston. “Would you want to go to downtown Boston without a strong
police presence or would to choose to go somewhere else?” Convention groups look at this question when selecting a location for their convention. Losing the Mounted Patrol means they can not use that added
safety to compete for those conventions.
Horse-mounted Park Rangers used to police the Mall and other highly-popular federally-managed areas of the District of Columbia. In my last sojourn in DC, I do not recall seeing them; has there number diminished?
Under President Clinton the COPS program placed many more policemen on the streets. Whether these men and women are walking beats, pedaling them on bicycle, or patrolling on horseback, they can serve their communities in ways that severely curtail crime and thereby open their communities to social encounter. It is important that the officer be assigned the same beat and that he or she possess the social skills necessary to win the confidence of the members of the community. With the trust of those who dwell in an area, an officer can learn of crack houses, suspicious activities, gang affiliations, etc.
Sadly, President Bush slashed the COPS program, forcing cities and municipalities to reduce their police forces. Fortunately, President Obama proposes to bring back the COPS program, this time with no matching funds required.
Homer,
In the D.C. region, the United States Capitol Police did have a horse-mounted unit but that was disbanded several years ago–after only 14 months in existence–due to efforts led by Va. Congressman James (Jim) Moran and others he enlisted to vote to eradicate the unit. The unit was highly successful during its existence and was greatly needed for security on Capitol Hill, for protests, and for other events in the D.C. region. Currently, U.S. Park Police has their HMU and the Metropolitan Police Department does as well. However, the loss of the USCP unit and now the move to rid the Boston P.D. of its unit is the start of a trend that needs to be stopped and stopped now. Enough cannot be said about how valuable these units are in terms of their function and impact. People across the country need to shout out to the Boston Chief and Mayor about this development and need to ensure that Boston retains its unit.
This is unthinkable. And it only goes to show that politicians have no clue about how police work is done or what is essential in certain situations. I have an idea. How about instead of doing away with the mounted division, Boston should do away with the Mayor’s police escort. lol
Somebody in city hall needs to wake up,HMU is part of Boston life,why is it people who make decisions like this think they know best.We can only hope they see the mistake before it’s to late.Dont give up hope.