This week, the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office hosted a Mounted Policing Training Seminar within the County. It was the return of the cavalry to Cape May
Approximately 60 horses from 6 different states, federal law enforcement agencies, and Canada attended the training.
They convoyed to different training locations around the County.
On Thursday, 11/21, there were formation rides and training evolutions in Cape May City. During this time, two separate groups of horses (approximately 30 each) operated in individual areas.
One group conducted a formation ride through the city and on the beach, while the other trained on Mansion Street.
The training at the Mansion involved simulated crowd (riot) situations, which were loud at times and involved smoke.
The sheriff’s department loves interacting with the public! Keep in mind that this week, these horses were working, training, and on a tight schedule, so they may not always be able to stop for pictures or talks.
Comments about necessity and taxpayer dollars appeared on some Facebook group posts. The main purpose of this training was to put horses and riders in situations they wouldn’t ordinarily face.
I applaud this exercise.
Training is never a waste of taxpayer funds. In a real emergency one always reverts to their training.
The more real the test the better the officers will respond. I would argue the better the police response the less in damages and lawsuits.