The Reno Police Mounted Unit saddles up for an eventful summer in Reno

RENO, Nevada (KOLO) – “A lot of people are surprised these days,” said Lieutenant Tom Yturbide of the Reno Police Department. “They don’t know we have a mounted unit.”

“People have a lot of respect for the horses and I think we have a big advantage because we sit higher. We can see much further. Just the presence of a horse is unique,” said Officer Austin Broome, one of the Reno Police Department’s four mounted patrol officers.

The unit specializes in visibility, mobility and accessibility. “We are deployed about once a week, just to be in the community. We walk around and talk to people. We let the kids pet the horses. Be present and be visible,” Officer Broome added.

The mounted unit was established in the early 1900s. At the time, it was used for transportation, but since its formation in 2018, the unit has served as an additional branch of law enforcement.

“One horse can do the work of about five police officers on foot. Sometimes we work with other regional partners like Washoe County or Sparks PD,” Broome said. “We can line up about 10 horses in a row. If there’s a situation downtown, we can line up the horses about 10 horses abreast to cover the entire streets and slowly move the crowd.”

The mounted unit is used at large community events. Right now the unit saddles up for large summer events like the Reno Rodeo or Hot August Nights.

If you find yourself in a situation where the mounted unit is deployed, here’s what you should know.

“If you see the horses and see that we are trying to move the crowd, just quickly follow our instructions. Don’t throw anything at the horses and don’t try to hurt them. If they aren’t working, you are welcome to come up and pet them, just ask us first,” Broome added.

The unit typically patrols the city center, but can also patrol parks, thickets, and river banks, allowing the department to ensure public safety in any situation and on any terrain.

“We have a truck and a trailer that were purchased with some city funds and donations so we can maintain the unit,” the lieutenant said.

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