The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol Unit consists of nine Deputies and 11 horses. Since its inception in 1962, the Mounted Unit has evolved from civilian volunteers to now consisting of both full-time and cross-trained Deputies within the Agency who perform full law enforcement duties. The Unit is used to patrol neighborhoods, parks, beaches, shopping districts, civic, and large spectator events. The Mounted Unit assists the Traffic Unit with radar details in school zones, residential communities, and other complaint areas. The Unit also conducts criminal and missing person searches. The Unit would not be in existence without the tremendous support and generosity of the community. Nine of the eleven horses were donated by the public, and some of the monthly operating expenses are borne by local businesses. One of the Mounted Unit trucks was donated by a local dealership, which has generously agreed to donate the use of another in 2008. Volunteer grooms provide much of the stable and grounds maintenance and horse care. All of the Unit’s horse trailers were acquired from seizures in local drug busts.

Learn more about the Mounted Patrol Unit by viewing a visual presentation by clicking here.