SCMP Patrols Akron U Zips Infocision Stadium Opening Day

The Summit County Mounted Patrol was a familiar presence on the University of Akron campus during the Fall of 2009. The horses patrolled on- and off-campus university housing and areas surrounding Akron U's brand new Infocision Stadium at every home game. Students were pumped for the first home game, and they loved visiting with the horses on the streets.

Mounted police horses are particularly useful for patrolling urban areas such as this. First, even with a rowdy bunch, horses are excellent goodwill ambassadors. Their very presence has a way of bringing smiles to faces in a way that no foot or bicycle patrol could never do. Who doesn't love to pet horses?? Second, should the crowd become out of control, officers on horseback have a height advantage over officers on foot, bicycles, and even motorcycles. They can see into the crowd from above and look across the crowd - they can see people with weapons and other dangers, and they can see those who may have been hurt and perhaps need medical attention. One officer on a horse can do the job of 10-12 foot patrolmen, which saves police departments money.

We commend Akron University students for their cooperation in keeping the festivities safe and fun for everyone. Go Zips!!

For more information on the Summit County Mounted Patrol, please visit our website:

www.SummitCountyMounted.org

Category:

News & Politics

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• akron
• university
• ohio
• summit
• county
• mounted
• patrol
• unit
• sheriff
• police
• horses
• infocision
• stadium
• zips
• football
• crowd