Program Helps Mounted Patrol

This time of year, you’ll see the Mounted Patrol for the Fresno Police Department at shopping malls all around the area. 

They increase security at a time when criminals are looking for easy victims and items to steal.

Kids love to see and pet the horses. Their parents like having police around. 

“It gives you a sense of security and safety. You can walk out to your car and you have Fresno police out here,” said Alex Galarza of Fresno.

Money for the Mounted Patrol was cut from the city budget. They rely now on donations to stay in hay and horse shoes. 

This year, officers with the Mounted Patrol are handing out SHARES cards that can be used at Save Mart Grocery Stores. Just let the checker know you have the card and they will scan it. And a portion of the bill goes to the Mounted Patrol.

“With Save Mart giving us back three percent, it helps keep our horses fed and the shoes and such on them,” said Officer Ed Slaton with Fresno Police. 

It costs about 40-thousand dollars a year to feed the horses, keep a roof over their head, and make sure they’re healthy.

The officers on horseback fight crime. They helped catch a car thief near Fashion Fair mall two years ago. And from high up on a horse, they can see things other officers can’t. 

“We're up higher.  We can see people in the parking lots that you can't see otherwise, so it's just an advantage” Slaton said.

Taneha Martin of Fresno picked up a SHARES card and plans to use it. 

“We lost the Clovis horses due to not having money, so I think it’s a good thing,” Martin said.

You can get a SHARES card from any Mounted Patrol officer. During the Christmas season they patrol River Park, Fashion Fair, Manchester Center and Fig Garden Village in Fresno.

You can also contact them directly at: mountedpolice@fresno.gov for a SHARES card or to make a donation.