February 13, 2007
FOR RELEASE AT WILL
Key West Police Lieutenant Alan Newby and his horse Leo recently graduated from a Mounted Police Instructor course, which will allow the pair to instruct the accredited Mounted Police curriculum to officers interested in joining the department’s Mounted Patrol Unit.
Lt. Newby and Leo traveled to Ocala for the two-week course, held by the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute.
“This course was very beneficial,” said Lt. Newby, who supervises the unit. “And the hands-on training will also help in providing guidance to civilians who will assist the Mounted Patrol in a volunteer program being proposed for equestrian enthusiasts in our area.”
The Key West Police Department started its Mounted Patrol Unit in 1999. Since then, mounted officers have regularly participated in city parades and festivals, and have been used on regular patrol to access areas that are difficult to get to in a patrol vehicle.
“Police Mounted Units have become an important component in law enforcement throughout the United States, not only in rural areas, but in urban settings as well,” Lt. Newby explained. “Their effectiveness in crowd control is unequalled.”
Because of its size, the horse and its mounted rider have become an asset during such events as Fantasy Fest.
“Because people will not typically challenge a 1,200 to 1,500 pound horse, the mounted officer is the least aggressive means to move large groups of people, to deescalate a disturbance or to subdue a suspect,” Lt. Newby said. “And their high visibility makes them a deterrent to crime and a point where citizens can easily find them for assistance.”
The department’s mounted unit, including Lt. Newby and Leo’s recent trip to Ocala, is funded entirely by private donations. To learn more about the mounted unit or how you can get involved, visit www.idacs.net/kwpdmounted.
Christie Phillips
Public
Information
Key West Police Department
Work: 305-809-1058
Cell: 305-797-0417
