I oppose the introduction of horseback patrols in our community under the label of “community policing.” This move prioritizes optics over substance.
There has been no public demand for mounted patrols, no transparency regarding their cost and no justification for their use. The town’s own May 14 announcement specifically cited bicycle patrols — not horses — as a way for deputies to “engage directly with the community.”
As Lt. Jerry Vance noted in the Fountain Hills Times Independent, “There is a nationwide effort to get out of the cars and meet people.” To that, I say: great. To the use of horses, I say: whoa.
