Policy Text
Policy
352Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/08/25, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentMounted Enforcement Unit - 1Mounted Enforcement Unit
352.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this Policy is to specify the circumstances in which the Mounted
Enforcement Unit (MEU) may be used. In addition, the order will provide a general overview of
the Mounted Unit program for the benefit of personnel not assigned to the program.
352.2 OPERATIONS MANUAL
The Mounted Enforcement Unit Operations Manual contains all policies and procedures
concerning the Unit. Mounted officers are given a copy of the manual at the time of assignment
to the position. The Mounted Enforcement Unit Commander is responsible for ensuring that the
manual is up to date at all times, and that it is available for review by field supervisors or division
commanders.
352.3 ORGANIZATION
The MEU will be managed (MEU Commander) by a lieutenant as directed by the Chief of Police.
The MEU Commander may assign a sergeant or corporal to supervise, coordinate and/or handle
administrative functions of the unit. The MEU will function as a citywide detail.
352.4 RESPONSIBILITIES
General responsibilities of the MEU include:
(a)Officers should not position their horse close to a person who is sitting or lying on the
ground as to constitute a hazard.
(b)Officers shall not allow an on-duty mount to be fed by citizens.
(c)Officers should not run the horse or gallop unless there is an emergency situation that
is ongoing and only after due regard is given for the safety of the horse, officer and
citizens.
(d)Only when the officer has control of the horse, and permission is given, will a citizen
be allowed to approach and touch the horse. The officer will determine the number of
persons who may touch or approach the horse so as not to constitute a hazard.
(e)Horses are not to be left unattended while outside the trailer.
(f)Horses should not be allowed to graze while on duty.
(g)Prisoners shall not be transported on horseback, or led with a rope or other device.
(h)Horses shall always be under the control of the MEU officer. The horse shall be
secured with a lead rope if the officer intends to take a break.
(i)The MEU officer will attempt to prevent the horse from defecating or urinating on the
sidewalks or in a crosswalk. If the horse urinates, the officer, as soon as practical, will
cover it with dirt or sand. If the horse defecates, the officer will pick it up and carry it
away, place it into a flowerbed or planter, or dispose of it in an appropriate manner.
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Mounted Enforcement Unit
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/08/25, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentMounted Enforcement Unit - 2(j)All accidental injuries to citizens will be reported to the on duty field supervisor. The
MEU Commander must also be notified. A memorandum outlining the incident must
be written to the Chief of Police. If the injury is sustained as a result of enforcement
action, a use of force memorandum should be prepared.
(k)A field supervisor and the MEU Commander will be notified of any injury(s) sustained
by a horse while on duty. If the injury requires immediate medical attention, a
veterinarian may be called. A written account of the incident will be submitted to the
Chief of Police.
(l)Civilians shall not be allowed to sit on or ride a police horse during deployments. Police
officers who are not part of the mounted enforcement unit will not be allowed to ride
the police horse.
352.5 OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
The MEU assignment is a collateral duty for officers. It is not a full-time function of the Police
Department. All deployments will be at the discretion of the MEU commander, or his designee.
MEU personnel are used to establish high visibility patrol to reduce crime, assist in crowd control
at special events, including but not limited to parades, festivals and organized demonstrations,
and to provide support for community events and special beat projects.
(a)MEU officers should be deployed in teams of two to insure the safety of officers and
citizens. If an outside agency mounted officer is deployed in Garden Grove, a Garden
Grove MEU officer will be his/her partner whenever possible.
(b)Call-out requests will be made to the MEU Commander or his designee.
(c)Horses must be bathed and/or brushed prior to any deployment. All issued safety
equipment will be worn while on duty.
(d)Feed for the horse is at the MEU officer's expense. Care and exercise for the horse
is done on the officer's own time. MEU officers are considered on duty one hour prior
to deployment, and one hour after.
(e)MEU officers train once a month, or at the discretion of the unit commander. Personnel
assigned to the unit must complete a POST Mounted Officer Course.
(f)Prior to assignment to the MEU, officers must sign a Mounted Enforcement Unit
Agreement in regards to "Horse Training and Grooming." A copy of this agreement
is attached.
352.6 SELECTION PROCEDURES
When openings become available in the Mounted Enforcement Unit, an interest memorandum
will be issued by the Mounted Unit Commander or Unit Supervisor, announcing the position and
minimum criteria for the applicant. This memorandum will be posted for no less than thirty (30)
days. In accordance with the Garden