Members
of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office
Mounted
Patrol are primarily “Special Deputies” serving entirely as volunteers. These
Deputies must meet the same qualifications as any other employee of the Butler
County Sheriff’s Office, they must pass a thorough background check, polygraph
examination, drug screen and also a horsemanship test, before being placed on
the Mounted Patrol.
Each
horse and Deputy goes through training and certification and can only be used
for the Mounted Patrol Upon completion of this training.
Deputies on horseback fill a much needed role during events
with large numbers of people, especially those containing groups with
contrasting views. All riders and horses are highly trained to withstand
hostile
contact with large crowds.
In addition to the function of crowd control, the Mounted Patrol Unit is also used during “man-hunts” when someone flees from a crime scene or when and inmate or criminal escapes custody. They are also used for security purposes at major events, such as the Butler County Fair. Additionally, they are present at a large number of parades and other public appearances.
