Policy Text
Procedure
3400Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/05/29, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentMOUNTED ENFORCEMENT UNIT - 1MOUNTED ENFORCEMENT UNIT
3400.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to establish operational guidelines for the Mounted Enforcement "Unit".
3400.2 BACKGROUND
The Santa Ana Police Department is dedicated to providing the citizens of the community with
effective and efficient police services. Because of its commitment, the department has formed a
Mounted Enforcement Unit comprised of police officers who are willing to provide their expertise,
horses, tack and equipment to the service of the Santa Ana Police Department. The Mounted
Enforcement Unit provides the community with an effective and innovative method of policing that
provides community safety and satisfaction.
3400.3 CHAIN OF COMMAND
The Mounted Enforcement Unit is assigned to the Field Operations Bureau. A designee appointed
by the Field Operations Bureau Commander will hold administrative responsibilities for the unit. His
or her title will be Mounted Unit Commander. The daily operations of the unit such as deployment,
scheduling, training and the maintenance of unit records will be the responsibility of the Mounted
Unit Sergeant.
Assignment to the Mounted Enforcement Unit is voluntary and each member's primary assignment
shall take precedence over any mounted deployment or training except in emergency situations
as determined by the Chief of Police or designee.
3400.4 SELECTION OF PERSONNEL
Sworn officers from the rank of Commander and below are eligible for assignment to the Mounted
Enforcement Unit. Reserve Officers are also eligible for assignment to the unit. Suitability for the
unit will be based upon, but not limited to a complete review of the applicants' personnel record,
work performance, experience, physical condition and recommendations from supervisors.
Ownership or access to an acceptable horse will be required upon appointment to the unit.
The applicant's horsemanship skills and access to a truck and horse trailer will also be considered.
The total sworn membership of active riders on the unit shall be open and left to the discretion of
the Mounted Enforcement Unit Commander.
1.The Mounted Enforcement Unit is an ancillary assignment and as such is secondary
to an officer's primary assignment. To remain an active member of the Mounted
Enforcement Unit, one must perform in a satisfactory manner in their primary
assignment. Unsatisfactory performance in one's primary assignment could be
grounds for removal from the Mounted Enforcement Unit.
2.Once assigned to the Mounted Unit one must perform in a satisfactory manner meeting
the guidelines and standards in the Mounted procedure. Unsatisfactory performance
Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual
MOUNTED ENFORCEMENT UNIT
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/05/29, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentMOUNTED ENFORCEMENT UNIT - 2in this ancillary detail could be grounds for removal from the Mounted Enforcement
Unit.
3400.5 SELECTION OF HORSES
3400.5.1 CRITERIA FOR HORSE SELECTION
The horses selected for the Mounted Enforcement Unit must be suitable for the varied uses typical
in law enforcement situations within the city of Santa Ana. Emphasis during selection will be placed
on temperament, willingness, obedience and appearance of the horse.
3400.5.2 DISPOSITION
All horses selected must be calm, gentle and free of vicious habits, which might present a danger
to the officer or public (biting, kicking, rearing, etc.). They must not be hard to catch when turned
out or shy when groomed, trailered or saddled. The horse must be quiet and not object to being
touched or pet by strangers. Likewise, they should be accustomed to most types of noise and
objects.
3400.5.3 HEALTH
A complete examination by a competent Veterinarian is required for all new horses to be
considered for the unit. This is to ensure the horse is sound, has no contagious diseases and is
free from any physical impairment that would prevent the horse from completing an assignment.
All horses used on the Mounted Unit must receive all necessary vaccinations upon acceptance to
the unit. The individual officer is personally responsible for the cost of all vaccinations.
3400.5.4 APPEARANCE
There are no color restrictions on the selected horse; however, the overall appearance of the
horse selected will reflect the highest standard of professionalism represented in the Santa Ana
Police Department.
3400.5.5 BREED
There are no restrictions regarding the breed of the horse to be used for the Mounted Enforcement
Unit.
3400.5.6 GENDER
Only geldings and mares will be allowed in the unit. Stallions will not be allowed.
3400.5.7 SIZE
The selected horse must be a minimum of 14 hands or taller with weight proportionate to height.
3400.6 TRAINING
Each officer and their horse must successfully complete a POST approved, 40 hour Basic Mounted
Enforcement Class within one year of appointment to the Mounted Enforcement Unit. Once "in
service" each officer and horse shall attend a monthly training day of all Santa Ana Police Mounted
Enforcement Officers.
Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual
MOUNTED ENFORCEMENT UNIT
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/05/29, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentMOUNTED ENFORCEMENT UNIT - 3The Mounted Enforcement Unit Supervisor (or his designee) will evaluate each horse and rider
to ensure that each team maintains a level of proficiency to safely perform their mounted duties.
The Supervisor will prepare and maintain a Supervisor log for each training session.
The Mounted