The College of Policing has announced that it has updated its authorised professional practice (APP) for mounted police and revised its guidance related to national standards for the care, training, and deployment of police horses and their handlers across England and Wales.
The refreshed guidance includes information on how police forces can set up and run a mounted section and the training and standards required to work in these specialist sections. It has also updated its ethical standards for animal welfare and the effective deployment of police horses.
Mounted police units play a vital role in policing, from crowd control and high-visibility patrols to ceremonial duties and community engagement. The updated APP reflects the evolving demands on policing and reaffirms the College’s commitment in helping police forces – and police horses – to deliver a trusted and effective service to the public, while still maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.
Research by the University of Oxford has shown the positive effects that mounted officers have on the public – making them feel safe and increasing positive interactions between the police and the public.
“An essential and cherished part of policing”
“Police horses and their handlers are an essential and cherished part of policing,” said Superintendent Laura Douglas, policing standards manager for specialist operations at the College of Policing.
“These majestic animals play a vital role not only in policing disorder and crowd control, but also in building public trust and confidence and providing a strong, visible reassurance to the public.
“This updated guidance ensures that forces across the country have access to clear, consistent standards that support both operational effectiveness and the highest levels of animal welfare. We’ve worked closely with experts in the field to ensure that police horses are properly cared for before, during, and after their service.”
Main image © Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media Ltd, inset image © College of Policing.
