Increasing numbers of law enforcement agencies are establishing mounted divisions each year through the United States. The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office has had a mounted unit for over 20 years. In recent years the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Mounted Division has come up to national standards.

 

Sheriff Wiley has been instrumental in seeing that all law enforcement officers under his command become fully certified to the highest standards possible. This now includes the newly revamped Mounted Division.

 

 

Horses are by far the most effective crowd control tool available due to the height advantage, high visibility and excellent maneuverability. However, these advantages can only be utilized effectively by properly trained deputies.

 

The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Mounted Division under the supervision of Sgt. Will Reames is currently comprised of six full time and five part time deputies. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Mounted Division must successfully complete an extensive training and qualification program. The members must become proficient in the use of their horse in crowd and traffic control, become qualified marksmen and train in all law enforcement techniques. The deputies and their mounts train together and learn to perform their assignments as a team.

 

The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Mounted Division primary duties are to assist with the High School Football games in the parish. The Mounted Division can also be seen working at the numerous festivals and parades that take place in Ascension Parish. While helping at these functions the Mounted officers create a sense of security simply by their presence and frequently enjoy a special relationship with the citizens they serve.

 

 

Establishing and building upon these relationships is key to the concept of community policing. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Mounted Division is made up of experienced equestrians, dedicated to community service who share a common interest in mounted law enforcement and organized riding.