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History |
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 From
the earliest days of our Nation civilian volunteers have been called
upon to assist in law enforcement and help ensure the safety of our
citizenry. In the West, territorial jurisdictions were vast and
law enforcement was minimal. Sheriffs and marshals often deputized
ranchers, farmers, cowboys and townspeople to help enforce the law
and hunt down and capture criminals and escapees. Qualifications
for these early-day Posse members required little more than the
ability to shoot straight and ride a horse. The Pasco
Sheriff’s Mounted Posse has been proudly serving the citizens of
Pasco County since 1995. Our civilian Posse members and their
mounts are all volunteers. All Posse members must pass and maintain
several qualification standards to enable horse and rider to safely
work in close contact with the public. The Posse maintains a
vigorous training schedule and a highly visible presence by
supporting numerous events throughout the local community. Our
volunteers contribute time, transportation to and from events and
purchase their own gear. |
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Advantages of
the Posse |
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The Posse
assists the Sheriff’s Office by patrolling areas where horses are
advantageous or vehicular movement is restricted. Posse activities
range from law enforcement services to public relations. Typical
Posse law enforcement functions includ e
search and rescue operations, assisting with locating and securing
crime scene evidence, ranch patrols, security details and crowd
control at local events. It has proven to be an effective form
of police presence and is a force multiplier for the traditional law
enforcement officer. Mounted patrol members have a better
vantage point, they are able to see and be seen, thereby deterring
criminal activity. The horse makes the perfect crowd control
tool because they provide the officer with the ability to move into,
through and around a crowd in a safe manner for both the officer and
the public. Posse members interact with the local community
during neighborhood rides, public demonstrations, parades, flag
ceremonies, and other local events. Posse members are highly
visible emissaries for the Sheriff’s Office. The mounted
patrol has received numerous accolades and is honored to enjoy
strong positive public support. People view the mounted
officer as more approachable. The horse helps break down
barriers between the police and the public and fosters a spirit of
cooperation which helps improve the partnership between the police
and the community. The Pasco Sheriff's Mounted Unit (comprised
of sworn deputies) and the Pasco Sheriff's Mounted Posse
(comprised of civilian volunteers) are part of the Citizen Support
Services (CSS) section of the Pasco Sheriff's Office.
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Training &
Qualification |
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All the
Posse horses are privately owned by each Posse member. Members are
responsible for transporting their mounts to/from training and
events and keeping their tack and equipment clean and in good
repair. The Sheriff’s Office offers 8 hours of training each
month. Training
 sessions incorporate valuable riding skills in
equitation such as body position for balance and the use of natural
aids (i.e. seat, hands and legs), formations and cavalry drills,
obstacles and sensory training to include lights, sirens, flares,
firecrackers and gunfire. Drills and exercises are designed to
refine skills in riding mounted patrol and working in areas where
members will be in close contact with the public. Posse members and horses must pass and maintain several qualification standards before
being authorized to ride in official Sheriff’s Posse events. |
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Join the Posse |
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The
Posse is a highly rewarding experience! It affords equine
enthusiasts an opportunity for fellowship and camaraderie. You will
have the opportunity to learn more about your equine partner, receive valuable training, further develop your riding skills, share
your knowledge with others and make some great friends – all while
serving your local community. Even if you do not own a horse, you
are encouraged to become a member of the Pasco Sheriff’s
Mounted Posse. The ground crew is an integral part of the PSMP. Many
of our activities do not require horses. Participation is open to anyone 18 years of age or older who is of
good character and has a desire to serve their community. All
applicants must complete a volunteer application and undergo a
background check including fingerprinting.
Click Here
if you would like more information on the application process
and additional facts about volunteering to become a member of the
Pasco Sheriff's Mounted Posse.
For mounted applicants, consideration will include, but not be limited to
riding ability, condition and character of the horse,
saddle and equipment of the applicant and verification of current
negative coggins. If you
are knowledgeable about horses and riding, have time to volunteer or
just want to serve your community, we encourage you to come out and
make some new friends at the Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse.
For more information contact Deputy Margaret Bushell, Sheriff’s
Office/Posse Liaison and Training Officer for both mounted units at
mbushell@pascoposse.com |
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