DETROIT – The Detroit Police Department's mounted unit is one of the oldest in the country, and it will be around for at least the next three years thanks to a funding commitment that was announced Tuesday.
Police Chief James Craig said Detroit-based global IT staffing company, Strategic Staffing Solutions, will continue to sponsor the police horses.
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The unit has a long history of police work that dates back to 1893. The unit was at its peak in the 1970s when it was five barns, 80 officers, and more than 60 horses.
It took a downfall in 2005 when Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick shut down the patrol due to budget cuts. It wasn't until 2009 that the unit reopened as a privately supported organization through the safety foundation.
DPSF is proud to facilitate this donation for @detroitpolice. The Mounted Unit has a storied history with Detroit. pic.twitter.com/sRxKCsDb6T
— DetPublicSafetyFndtn (@DetPublicSafety) June 7, 2016
The funding will provide around $37,500 to cover hay, feed, medication, and other expenses. On average it costs around $20 dollars a day to support one horse.
Officers continue to patrol on horseback through neighborhoods, big public events, casinos, and the Detroit riverfront.