Mounted police may return to KC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The police department plans to add a mounted unit that would put officers atop horses to patrol parks, downtown and special events. Police and officials from the Parks and Recreation Department began meetings last week to work out details tthat could have the unit begin training in March.

Chief James Corwin wants it to be used not only for law enforcement, but to connect with young people and to promote community relations.

"One of Chief Corwins visions is to take an officer out of his car going down the street with the windows rolled up," said Aric Anderson, administrative officer for the proposed equine unit. "A horse draws people -- kids and adults. Theyve seen horses but they may not have touched them."

Police already have eight horses and expect the new unit to initially include four mounted officers, a mounted sergeant and an administrative officer. The program is estimated to cost $533,462 in 2006.

Parks officials and police previously collaborated on a mounted patrol in 1995, but budget cuts forced its disbanding. Last fall, police again experimented with using mounted officers downtown, in Westport, and on the Country Club Plaza.

"It was very effective," said Steve Lampone, deputy park director. "We had a lot of positive comments about it."

This time, the unit could be assigned to high-crime areas, to help with search-and-rescue efforts and for crowd control at festivals and other special events.

"I know we'll have a presence downtown, and I expect we'd have a presence in Westport and around the city," Anderson said.

The police were among three entities vying to use the Lake of the Woods Riding Academy. Parks officials said they chose the mounted patrol proposal because it calls for extensive contact with youths as well as patrolling the parks.

The mounted police unit plans to provide riding and grooming lessons through summer camps and other youth programs.