Mounted Police at Ohio University Palmerfest - Athens, Ohio 2009

Mounted police in Athens patrol the near-riot crowd at Ohio University's 2009 Palmer Fest in Athens, Ohio. Students attending Palmerfest had started a very large and uncontrolled bonfire in the middle of the street, making it completely impassable by any means other than foot and also dangerous to surrounding structures. Students became riotous and failed in their duty to keep the assembly peaceable and began destroying both public and private property; they were asked to vacate the area. Refusing to disassemble, they became violent, targeting police and throwing beer bottles and other debris at the horses, which later required veterinary attention. However, a handful of horses was still able to clear the area in just a few short minutes, proving that one well-trained horse and rider can do the work of 12-15 foot patrolmen. This helps local police keep the cost of law enforcement down and increases the efficiency of the patrols. Use of a mounted unit can also help keep those in the crowd safe because in many situations, the horses are enough to clear an area without the use of tear gas or other unpleasant riot measures. Similar to flashing emergency vehicle lights and siren, at all times a warning is given prior to any altercations. No fault is given to those who follow police instructions at these times. The individuals you see here approached by mounted police are those who outright refused to comply with orders to disperse.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• law
• enforcement
• horse
• horses
• mounted
• patrol
• police
• unit
• ohio
• university
• athens
• palmerfest
• 2009
• deputy
• deputies
• sheriff
• crowd
• control

[0Della0]

Police horses rock :)