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©1999 - 2012
Edward D. Reuss
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BOSTON P.D.’S HORSE-MOUNTED UNIT MUST REMAIN INTACT

Budget cuts have unit on the chopping block
 

“The horses have been here forever,” says Officer James Naughton of the Boston Police Department’s Horse Mounted Unit. If the police chief and mayor, however, have their way with the ensuing implementation of budget cuts, the Horse Mounted Unit will not be long for the department.  Though it is the oldest unit in the nation and has served Boston for 150 years, it is, alarmingly, slated to be dismantled.



This unit is a proven entity in Boston.  Patrolling 365 days per year, the 13 horses, nine officers, and one sergeant have made good arrests as a result of the functions this unit performs. They actively patrol the downtown area as well as major sporting events, parades, celebrations, and other events that bring dignitaries to town. The unit has been instrumental in crowd control. When 500-600 people were breaking down barriers at a Celtics game, the crowd began to immediately retreat when they saw the horses approaching, Officer Naughton explains.

The notable Fenway area is one that has experienced significant crime, and the mounted unit has been instrumental in maintaining order in that area.    It has also assisted in quelling civil disturbances.  Not long ago, when a college student was robbed of his cell phone and laptop computer, knocked to the ground by two males and beaten, two witnesses who observed the event told mounted officers nearby. They were able to apprehend the assailants and return the victim’s stolen property to him.    

With the receipt of daily intelligence reports, the mounted unit is able to focus on areas that need extra vigilance. After schools are finished for the day, gangs frequently congregate in the downtown area, and the horse-mounted unit is there on patrol to dissipate any tension or violence that may ensue.

Chopper, Captain, Clancy, Mumbo, Agnes, Shorty, Dillie, Pellie, Camden, Jacob, Jasper, and Monty are on the front lines daily in and around Boston. These horses and their mounted officers have served with dedication and determination to preserve public safety. Eradicating this unit would be a most egregious mistake and should not be allowed to occur.  There needs to be an immediate and vociferous outcry of protest to ensure this unit remains intact to continue its positive impact in public safety and to celebrate another 150 years in the future.

Copyright © 2009 Karen L. Bune


***Karen L. Bune is employed as a Victim Specialist in the State’s Attorney’s Office for Prince George’s County, Maryland. She is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia where she teaches victimology.  Ms. Bune serves as a consultant for the Office for Victims of Crime and the Office for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U. S. Department of Justice. She is a nationally recognized speaker and trainer.   She is a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress and a Diplomate of the Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and The National Center for Crisis Management. She is also Board Certified in Domestic Violence.  Ms. Bune received the 2007 Notable Alumni Award from the Dept. of Public Affairs, American University, Washington, D. C.  Ms. Bune appears in the 2009 edition of “Marquis Who’s Who in the World” and the 2009 edition of “Marquis Who’s Who in American Women.”


MORE STORIES BY KAREN BUNE:

RIDE-ALONG IS LENS TO POLICE REALITY

GRASPING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHALLENGES


CHUCK WEXLER

CRAIG FLOYD CHAIRMAN OF NLEOMF HONORED

SHAQUITA BELL CASE

MERGER OF USCP AND LOC POLICE

SGT JOE GENTILE, DC MPD PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

VIRGINIA TECH TRAGEDY GRIPS THE NATION

CONFLICTING PERSPECTIVES FOCUS ATTENTION ON RESPONSE STATEGIES TO ANTI-WAR PROTESTORS

D. C. POLICE CHIEF RAMSEY’S DEPARTURE LEAVES LEGACY OF GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT

CHIEF MORSE ROLE ENHANCED BY GAINER APPOINTMENT AS US SENATE SGT AT ARMS

US BORDER PATROL AGENTS ARE THE VICTIMS

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GETS ATTENTION

U. S. PARK POLICE FORCE IN DISARRAY

D.C. POLICE COMMANDER SOLBERG’S APOLOGY UNNECESSARY

POLICE VICTIMIZATION HAS WIDE IMPACT

US CAPITOL POLICE CHIEF GAINER RESIGNS

PERSISTANCE PAYS OFF FOR MIMI

MAJOR LINDA DIXON FULFILLS PROMISE TO VICTIM

METRO DC POLICE GAY AND LESBIAN LIAISON UNIT

U.S. CAPITOL POLICE CHIEF GAINER

US CAPITOL POLICE MOUNTED UNIT DEALT A HARD BLOW

TRIBUTE TO CHIEF GAINER

CONGRESSWOMAN MCKINNEY - SUPERB EXAMPLE OF NON-VICTIM


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