Charleston is set to welcome two new patrol horses, Watson and Holmes, to its Mounted Patrol Unit in 2025. This initiative, funded by The LENS Foundation, aims to increase community engagement while ensuring public safety. Alongside operational benefits, the patrol’s return reflects a strong community partnership and aims to boost support during local events like the Cooper River Bridge Run.
Charleston is set to liven up its streets with the addition of two new patrol horses to the Charleston Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit in 2025. In a city that loves its vibrant culture and passionate community, this move is all about enhancing community engagement while also keeping the streets safe.
Currently, the unit boasts two magnificent steeds named Watson and Holmes. Watson, a stalwart 17 years old, and his younger companion, 13-year-old Holmes, have been doing a fantastic job patrolling the downtown area and ensuring that the business district along King Street remains a welcoming and secure place for residents and tourists alike.
The exciting part? The two new horses are set to be purchased and generously donated by The LENS Foundation, hailing from a Texas farm that specializes in training police horses. It’s great to know that Charleston is bringing in horses that are not only well-trained but are also likely to have some pretty entertaining personalities!
The Mounted Patrol Unit has a bit of a history, too. The unit was unfortunately disbanded in 2010 due to budget cuts, leaving the city without its equestrian team for several years. However, the good news is that mounted patrols were re-established in 2021, and the community seems to have fallen in love all over again. In fact, the Charleston City Council voted to restore the unit just last October, showing how much value they place on these helpful horses.
One of the key reasons for rebuilding this beloved patrol unit is the operational benefits. Chief Chito Walker noted how mounted officers can cover more ground with a higher vantage point compared to their foot officer counterparts. With the horses towering above the crowd, they can better manage busy events and keep a close eye on everything happening in the bustling downtown area.
Watson and Holmes have made significant contributions already! In 2024, they assisted with over 491 calls for service, issued eight traffic citations, provided four warnings, and were involved in five arrests. Beyond enforcement, the horses participated in community activities, spending 137 hours engaging with the public, including nearly 10 hours in parades, helping to foster a friendlier and more approachable image for the police.
In terms of investment, the Charleston City budget allocated nearly $280,000 for the care, feeding, and transportation of the four horses this year. This budget also covers necessary sanitation contracts, ensuring that the horses remain healthy and happy while serving the community. Interestingly, when the mounted unit was disbanded back in 2011, it saved the city approximately $125,000 annually. So, it seems the decision to bring the patrol back reflects both a desire for community connection and a careful consideration of finances.
As we look forward, the new patrols are expected to begin during the iconic Cooper River Bridge Run, one of Charleston’s most celebrated events. This could not only provide essential security during the festivities but also put those new horses in front of thousands of locals and visitors, introducing them to the mounted patrol and encouraging engagement.
With plans already in place to expand this unique and impactful unit, Charleston is clearly taking steps to not just keep its streets safe but also to cultivate a deeper relationship between the police force and its vibrant community. Here’s to our future horseback heroes and the exciting times they will bring!
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