21-05-2025
Ottawa Police Mounted Unit about to take to the streets
The public can expect to begin seeing police officers on horseback throughout the city after the Ottawa Police Mounted Unit was introduced Tuesday.
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Officers and horses will continue their training in preparation for full operations, participating in select community events and familiarizing themselves with the city's neighbourhoods and public spaces, the Ottawa Police Service said in a news release.
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It did not specify how many horses would initially be part of the unit, but said it would continue to expand and 'enhance its capabilities' leading up to becoming fully operational with eight horses and riders by 2026. An Ottawa Citizen story in November 2024 said the police planned to have four horses in service by the spring of 2025 before adding another four the next year.
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'This launch of the Unit marks an important step in enhancing public safety and operational efficiency, reflecting the Ottawa Police Service's commitment to improving community engagement and meeting diverse policing needs across the city,' the release read.
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The mounted unit will allow police to engage with residents, and respond to many different operational needs, including community patrols, crowd management and crisis response, police said.
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The officers will ride Clydesdales, which were selected for their strength, intelligence and calm demeanour.
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'We are excited to introduce this new unit, which will greatly enhance our ability to address a variety of operational challenges, from managing large events to routine patrols,' Ottawa police Chief Eric Stubbs said. 'It's a powerful tool for ensuring public safety while also allowing us to engage with the community in a more visible and approachable way.'
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