Duties

The Providence Police Department's Mounted Command is part of the Uniform Division. Its primary duty is to support the function of the Patrol Bureau by enforcing all state laws and municipal ordinances; answering calls for service; providing citizen assistance; directing traffic congestion; issuing parking and moving violations; safely controlling unruly crowds; affecting arrests of violators and bearing witness in their prosecution in our courts. Other functions include parades, where they are always a fan favorite, and also adding a respectful pageantry to the solemnest of funeral escorts.

The unit, staffed by six officers, continues to work three different shifts: Day Shift, Night Shift and on Thursday through Saturday Mounted Officers work a Mid-Shift in which they patrol the downtown area on horseback until 3AM.

The Mounted Command is always seeking suitable re-mounts for the unit. Inquiries about horse donations are always welcomed. After a positive evaluation, remounts are taken on a 30-day trial period. If after 30 days the mount is determined to be suitable for police work, the horse is accepted into the program and becomes the property of the Providence Police Mounted Command. If it is determined that the horse is not suitable for police duties, arrangements will be made to return the horse to its owner. All inquiries regarding donations should be directed to the Mounted Command (401) 243-6042 or mbishop@providenceri.com. Any monetary donations may be made out to: City of Providence, Mounted Command, 1000 Elmwood Avenue Providence, RI 02907. Horse donations may be tax deductible.