MOUNTED POLICE

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MOUNTED POLICE
By Kristy
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Why I chose mounted police-

• Possible career option.
• An interest in what makes a good police horse and
  the types of training they under take.
• I'm interested in horses.
• What the horses do in the police force.

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How to gain employment in the Mounted police.

• Members join at Senior Constable rank as
  vacancies occur.
• A minimum service of four years is required
  before being eligible to apply for the position
• Previous horse experience have an advantage.
• Riders undertake a Riding Skills test and if
  acceptable, are taken to a national park near the
  training complex
• where more strenuous riding tests are undertaken.
• A selection panel then selects the most suitable
  and experienced rider.

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What is the role of the Mounted Branch?
Crowd ControlThe Branch serves as crowd control
at demonstrations, football and soccer games and
major events and concerts. Crowd control can vary
from low level to full confrontational
situations. EscortsCeremonial escorts are
provided by the Branch for the Governor-General
of Australia, the Victorian Governor, visiting
Royalty and parades, such as the Anzac Day
Parade. They also participate in Police funerals
and graduation parades. PatrolsThe Mounted
Branch are responsible for crime patrols, both
day and night, throughout Melbourne's streets,
parks and gardens as well as suburban and country
areas when required. This provides a visible
police presence in areas of high crime rates.
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Training of Troophorses
Horses used by the Branch are bred, broken in as
a three-year-old and initially trained at the
Horse and Rider Training Complex in Attwood. As a
four-year-old, the horse will begin more advanced
training at the Mounted Branch in Melbourne. The
horse is then allocated to an experienced member
and begins more formal education consisting of
all forms of hacking, dressage movements and is
introduced to patrol work, traffic, unusual
sounds and sights and large crowds of people.
(Most horses will never be asked to perform the
type of duties that a troophorse encounters). The
length of training required can take as little as
one month or as long as twelve months depending
on the horse. The temperament of the horse is
extremely important. Horses of a good temperament
(including ex-racehorses) respond very quickly to
training. Horses reaching the standard required
by the Mounted Branch are allocated for duty.
Police bred horses who fail to reach the required
standard are sold by public tender, while
ex-racehorses are returned to their respective
owners. Troophorses who have served the Victoria
Police Mounted Branch for many years are retired
to one of the police paddocks.
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THE END!