About Mounted Platoon

The LAPD’s Mounted Platoon is currently comprised of 20 full-time sworn officers and 25 horses. Each officer is required to complete a 200 hour equestrian training program prior to being assigned to any field duty. The comprehensive course covers basic and advanced equitation skills, tactics, equine physiology and psychology, and all of the equestrian duties a mounted officer could be assigned.

General duties of the Mounted Platoon include:
• Demonstrations - The Mounted Platoon is used regularly at the scene of demonstrations and unruly assemblies. Over the years, squad tactics have been developed to work in concert with officers on foot, enabling the LAPD to control large groups of protesters in a firm, professional manner. The Platoon was instrumental in keeping demonstrators at bay during the recent protests over the Ferguson Grand Jury decision.
• Crowd Management - The Mounted Platoon is deployed frequently in crowd management situations where large groups have gathered for festivals, parades, and holiday celebrations. Some of the areas where their services have been used are during Dodger games, Kings play-off games, Artwalk in Downtown Los Angeles, and Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day celebrations in Venice Beach, etc.
• Crime Suppression and Search and Rescue - The Mounted Platoon provides high-profile crime suppression in targeted areas. The Platoon also plays a critical role in search and rescues in Los Angeles area parks and recreational areas.