| The purpose of the Police Posse is to provide the police department a specialized resource of expertise in equestrian services to assist the police in providing superior service to the citizens of Pinellas Park. Volunteers assigned to the police posse will assist is some of the patrolling duties the police department is responsible for and will also provide a positive image for a community that promotes horse related activities. Helen Howarth Park and the connected Tingler Nature Park are two of the very few designated horseback-riding areas in Pinellas County. The primary responsibility of the posse will be to patrol these areas in order to help preserve and protect their natural state and to identify and correct any safety problems that are discovered. The posse will work closely with not only the police department, but also the City Parks and Recreation department and the City's Equestrian Board. |
Posse Duties: Duties of the Police Posse are limited to the following:
- Patrolling of the Pinellas Park horse trail system for criminal activity and unsafe conditions;
- Assisting in community education of equestrian safety and horseback activites;
- Representing the Pinellas Park Police Department Volunteers at sanctioned public events and special duties;
- Assisting in organized search parties for Pinellas Park or any other organization requesting assistance.
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Membership: Police Posse members are generally selected from the Volunteers in Policing program. Members of the Police Department may also participate. Members:
- Must be at least 21 Years of Age;
- Must sumbit to and pass a personal background check;
- Must be able to provide their own horse and selected equipment;
- Must successfully complete a citizens police academy course;
- Horse and rider must pass a proficiency examination.
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Training: The Posse trains once a week at different locations throughout the area for generally 2-hours. During the training period, horse and rider works on equitation, obstacle navigation, and practical horsemanship. All horses and riders must pass a proficiency examination before becoming part of the posse.
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Equine Requirements: Horses must be in good health and be able to soundly operate for several hours through varied condition of terrain and weather. Horses must be sociable and controllable in situations involving crowds, noise, traffic, animals, and other distractions that may be encountered out in public. The horse must be of appropriate size for the rider and cannot be a stallion.
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