The officer on a horse is an unmistakably strong presence, and the horse becomes a natural link between residents, especially children, and the Bridgeport Police Department.
The Bridgeport Mounted Unit was revived in spring, 1998. Before that, the Mounted Unit was last active in the early to mid 1980s. The history of the Mounted Unit in Bridgeport dates back to at least 1918, when an early Bridgeport archive photograph showed 13 Bridgeport police officers on horseback.
The Mounted Unit works within the Special Services Division of the Uniform Command. The unit was brought back as the Department’s staffing levels improved and to aid in the overall challenge to improve the City’s image. The Unit helps provide an unmistakable police presence in and around the City’s major attractions – Harbor Yard, home to the Bridgeport Bluefish; the City’s many acres of parks; the developing Downtown area and other attractions.
Currently, the Mounted Unit uses mainly Quarterhorse and Quarterhorse crosses. The major factors in selecting a horse for police duty is a quiet disposition, followed by an ability to adapt to many City "noises," such as traffic and construction. The search and selection of a good police horse is nonstop.
The Bridgeport Mounted Unit uses geldings, in any shade of brown. The horses must be a minimum of 16 hands high and generally healthy. They are quite pampered and receive the finest veterinary care as well as the best quality feed and hay.
The Mounted Unit barn is open for inspection Monday through Saturday with an appointment, so not to interfere with any training or deployment. For an appointment, call (203) 576-8082.