College of Policing launches updated guidance for mounted police units
The College of Policing has updated its authorised professional practice (APP) for mounted police, setting out refreshed national standards for the care, training, and deployment of police horses and their handlers across England and Wales.
Mounted police units play a vital role in policing, from crowd control and high-visibility patrols to ceremonial duties and community engagement. The updated APP reflects the evolving demands on policing and reaffirms the College’s commitment in helping police forces – and police horses – to deliver a trusted and effective service to the public, while still maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.
The updated guidance includes information on how forces can set up and run a mounted section, the training and standards required to work in these specialist sections, animal welfare, breeding, and effective deployment of police horses.
Research by the University of Oxford shows that the presence of mounted officers on patrol help people feel safe and increases positive interactions between the police and the public, which in turns helps to build trust and confidence in policing.
The new guidance outlines information on how forces can establish and manage mounted sections, the specialist training required for both officers and horses, and the ethical standards for animal care throughout their service. It also highlights the unique advantages mounted units bring to modern policing, including enhanced visibility, mobility in crowded areas, and their proven ability to help build public confidence in the police.
Superintendent Laura Douglas, Policing Standards Manager for Specialist Operations at the College of Policing, said: “Police horses and their handlers are an essential and cherished part of policing. These majestic animals play a vital role not only in policing disorder and crowd control, but also in building public trust and confidence and providing a strong, visible reassurance to the public.
“This updated guidance ensures that forces across the country have access to clear, consistent standards that support both operational effectiveness and the highest levels of animal welfare. We’ve worked closely with experts in the field to ensure that police horses are properly cared for before, during, and after their service.”
The updated guidance can be found on the College of Policing’s website.