Function
The Columbia Police Mounted Patrol Unit patrols primarily the downtown area, combating street crime. In addition, they have the ability to trailer to other parts of the city to be used for special events, crowd control and park problems. The officers assigned to the Mounted Patrol perform standard police functions: make arrests, conduct investigations, issue citations and handle routine calls. The activity level of the unit is high due to the fact that they are able to patrol problem areas in a slower, more thorough manner. The mounted officer is an effective method of crime prevention especially in the downtown area due to the high visibility factor and quick response capability in congested areas. 

Horses and Equipment
The horses currently used by the Mounted Patrol were either purchased or donated. The horses are boarded at the Mounted Patrol horse barn which is located outside of town.

Training
The Mounted Patrol Unit provides its own training for both the officers and the horses. The officers are given about six weeks of basic riding training prior to actual deployment. The training of the horses varies with each animal, but basic training procedures are applied.

Effectiveness
The Mounted Patrol Unit has been effective in Columbia's downtown area for some of the following reasons:

• A mounted officer can devote more time to a special problem area.
• A mounted officer can observe people and situations better due to a higher vantage point and a slower patrol speed.
• A mounted officer can respond more rapidly to a problem in an area that is heavily congested with vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
• A mounted officer is more approachable and accessible to citizens. This improves service to the public and greatly improves police/citizen communications.