In 1929, the Milwaukee Police Department purchased 4 horses from the United Stated Calvary in Fort Riley. The horses were inspected by a veterinarian and shipped to Milwaukee. The US Calvary donated all of the saddles and everything needed to get started. Once the horses arrived they were assigned to the Traffic Division and stood at major intersections in Downtown. The unit operated until 1948, when following national trends, the horses were replaced by motorized patrols.
In 1996 there was a request to have a horse join the Circus Parade to celebrate the history of the unit. As a result of joining the parade the Milwaukee Police Department was increasingly asked to have horses appear. This was the beginning of the unit as a part time specialty unit.
The full time unit was established in 1999 and consisted of 6 officers, 6 horses, and one Sergeant. This unit was stabled with the Shamrock Coach and Carriage facility in Walkers Point.
Currently, the unit is deployed for special events with anticipated large crowds, daily patrols in the Third Ward and Downtown, and crowd management.
The MPD Mounted Patrol Foundation is a registered 501(C)3 non-profit organization. We solely rely on donations to help support the needs of the MPD Mounted Patrol Unit. If you would like to help and support our Mission please click the donate button below, you will be directed to our PayPal account. If you prefer other ways to donate please contact us via email.
