TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager provide a report to the City Council concerning the possibility of introducing mounted police patrols into the Downtown area.
DISCUSSION
Background
As we move to create a vibrant and safe Downtown Entertainment and Dining District, it is important that our top priority remains more uniformed police officers in our Downtown and throughout our city.
Our strategy of transforming Pine Avenue into an entertainment and tourist destination has already begun by creating the new Downtown District, installing security cameras, and supporting our Redevelopment Agency projects.
As part of our long-term vision for Downtown, and within the scope of our longterm citywide policing strategy, we should also explore the possibility of introducing Mounted Police into our Downtown patrol.
The presence of Mounted Police could have an incredibly positive impact in our Downtown. They are a powerful presence and extremely visible to the public.
They would also add a unique flavor and personality to our growing Downtown.
Mounted Units are extremely successful in other large American cities. They are used for traffic control, crowd control, community relations, and the prevention of street crime. Seldom is public attention so magnetically drawn to police as it is to an officer on horseback.
Other cities with Mounted Police include Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Fresno and Santa Monica.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILMEMBER FRANK COLONNA
THIRD DISTRICT