Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda announced the return of mounted police for “aerial law enforcement” on Thursday, January 11. This initiative, aimed at ensuring the safety of weekend crowd management.

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The Bengaluru Police Commissioner, B Dayananda, made a plan on January 11 to reintroduce mounted police for “aerial law enforcement” around Vidhana Soudha. The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance visibility and security during weekends, addressing the challenges posed by large crowds. The use of horse-mounted policemen will focus on patrolling key crowded areas like Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, Majestic, and MG Road. 

Source: The Hindu

The announcement was made through a post on the social media accounts of Bengaluru Police’s dog squad, which read, “Hooves on the pavement, eyes on the watch! Our majestic, mounted patrolling horses are here to make Bengaluru safer. The newly formed mounted police team will work in conjunction with existing foot patrol units, including the Hoysala and Cheetah teams. This collaborative effort aims to optimize law enforcement strategies by incorporating various units to address different aspects of security and crowd control. By reintroducing mounted police, Bengaluru Police aligns with international practices where horses have proven effective in managing crowds and providing heightened visibility.

Source: Rediff.com

It’s worth noting that this is not the first time the city has experimented with alternative patrolling measures. In 2017, Bengaluru Police introduced a patrolling squad in the central business district (CBD) during weekends as an experimental measure for crowd control. The success of such initiatives demonstrates the police force’s commitment to adapting and implementing effective strategies to ensure public safety. The horses used in this initiative will be housed and maintained by the City Armed Reserve, which has a dedicated stable for this purpose.