Horse patrols a hit in Sando

PC Gelliseau and Corporal Phillip, of the Police Mounted Branch, created a stir yesterday as they rode through the streets  of San Fernando on horses. The horses, named Gabriel and Hero, were the centre of attention as several passersby seized the opportunity to take photographs with them. Sgt Ranjit Rampersad, who accompanied the officers, said the horse patrols were part of the community crime eradication initiative.

That was outlined by Deputy Police Commissioner Jack Ewatski on Tuesday night as he spoke at a function hosted by the Penal Rotary Club. Rampersad said if an officer drove through the streets in a car, members of the public would not be as open to him compared to if he was on a horse. People are attracted to the horse. They will want to stop and talk. Some of them want to touch the horse. “The public is more receptive to police officers from the Mounted Branch,” Rampersad said. He said attempts were being made to buy a horse box so additional patrols could be done in other parts of the country.