Our Mounted Officers

Constable Ron Derksen and Constable Paul Lewis (Photo: V. Jutasi)

A New Mounted Tradition

For the first time since its inception, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) introduced mounted officers to its ceremonial Colour Guard in the Spring of 2003. The mounted officers act as ambassadors to the Police Service by attending parades, ceremonies, and other special events. By returning to the centuries-old tradition of policing on horseback, Niagara’s mounted officers combine nostalgia with effective community policing.

The NRPS has always been proud of its ability to offer a versatile range of police services, and the mounted officers carry on this commitment through friendly, “traditional-style” community involvement combined with high police visibility and a strong sense of pride.

The Niagara Region is the perfect venue for mounted police officers. With a peninsula full of tourist attractions, parks, and an ever-growing list of festivals and parades, the region’s citizens and visitors benefit immensely from a mounted police presence. The mounted police officer is valuable as a highly-visible yet approachable asset to the police service. And, of course, who doesn’t love horses!


Constable Ron Derksen and Police Service Horse Sonny	Constable Paul Lewis and Police Service Horse Sugar

Constable Marc Garrels and Police Service Horse Polky	Constable Sylvie Hardy and Police Service Horse Buddy

Beyond the Call of Duty

Due to the budgetary challenges of modern policing, the mounted police officers are not funded with tax dollars. Instead, the officers volunteer their time and their horses to bring a mounted police presence to Niagara.
The officers train and care for the horses during off-duty hours. For equipment and operating costs, the mounted unit is dependent upon the kind and generous support of the horse-loving public!

Education for All Ages

Sadly, horses are no longer a common sight in our modern society, and many people have never experienced the joy of these noble animals. The mounted officers help to educate people on the role of horses in our world, and attend schools and other institutions to bring these beautiful animals closer for everyone to experience and enjoy.

Few children can resist the urge to pet the police horses, and their delight is evident in their smiles and wide-eyed gazes! Yet at the same time, visits by the mounted officers help to fortify the relationship between citizen and police officer. And that’s important to us!

Requesting the Horses

Subject to prior commitment and officer availability, the mounted officers are able to attend ceremonies, parades, fairs, and special events where the presence of horses is appropriate.

Keep in mind that although our mounted officers make every effort to attend the many functions for which they are invited, prior commitments and regular police duties make it impossible for them to accommodate every request.

There is no charge to have the mounted officers attend an event. The Police Service Horses are friendly and safe in the presence of children and crowds.

Request forms are available on the NRPS website, by mail, or by clicking here.