Detroit's Finest
The Detroit Mounted Police was established in 1893 and is one of the oldest and most storied mounted units in the USA. At the peak in the late 70’s the unit had 5 barns 80 officers and 60 plus horses. They patrolled parks, downtown, and many neighborhoods on a daily basis. This unit also performed the world famous Detroit Mounted Police drill every year at the MI State Fair and at many different locations all over the country from 1909 until 2003. The unit was a part of every major event in the city from sporting events to presidental visits, as well as small local community parades and festivals.
The unit was shut down in 2005 by then Mayer, Kwama Kilpatrick, due to budget cuts and poor city management. In June of 2009 with the help of the Detroit Public Safety Foundation and Mayor Bing, the unit was reopened.
In the spring of 2010 the unit moved to its current location in Palmer Park and has taken over the former Parks and Recreation facility. Currently, the unit consists of two sergeants, six police officers and six horses. All of our horses have been donated or are on contractual loan. The Mounted Unit still patrols all designated traditional area’s, as well as the new venues, such as the riverfront and casinos.
The care of the horses, including feed, hay, bedding, veterinarian and medication cost, and Ferrier work, are paid for though private funds and donations from the Detroit Public Safety Foundation. However, these funds are limited, and to continue the great tradition of the Detroit Mounted Police we need your help and support.
Here are some ways that you can help support the horses:
Adopt a horse*
For a day: $20
For a month: $600
For a year: $7,500
*This includes complete care (feed, bedding, vaccinations, vet work, vitamins, ferrier work, shoes, grooming and bathing supplies, etc)
"The Detroit Police Department is a model of sustained policing excellence that places our neighborhoods and people first."
