Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reviving mounted unit

As some law enforcement agencies around the country are forced to trim back patrols, one local agency is bucking the trend.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office wants to expand its fleet with a different type of horsepower. During a time of new technology like drones, a lot of people may consider mounted units outdated. However the Sheriff’s Office says they’re effective in different operations.

The unit has been around since 2000 and, at its peak, had more than 40 members. But the numbers have dwindled over the years. Now, the Sheriff’s Office is trying to get the program back in the saddle again. The unit has been instrumental in search and rescue operations. Horses can get to places vehicles can’t, and it gives the rider a higher point of view.

“One of our unit members was able to see into the brush and saw the elderly gentleman had curled up around the base of a sagebrush, and all you could see were his feet sticking out,” said James Huggins, a volunteer with the mounted unit, said.

The four-legged patrols are useful in crowded in venues.

Sgt. Ron Willis, the man at the reins of the program, says horses can get around more easily than a patrol car, and their very presence is a deterrent.

“If you do have a group of uniformed volunteers with the Sheriff’s Office, riding around a venue, you’re least likely to have things pop up,” Willis said.

The horses are also a hit with the kids.

New members could participate in both search and rescue operations and patrols, as well as represent the department at public functions.

Ideal candidates have access to trail worthy horses, a trailer and good basic horse riding skills. They also have to be at least 21 years old. If anyone is interested, call Sgt. Ron Willis at (831) 796-1137.