At the South Shore Cultural Center, the Chicago Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit starts their day with grooming and training the 25 hardworking horses that reside there. Each horse is named after a fallen officer, and the unit officers take immense pride in their horses’ health and beauty. The horses are trained to navigate the city, assist in crowd control, and represent the police department at various events.

The unit emphasizes trust and communication between the officers and their horses, with a 14-week training program ensuring that both are prepared for duty. The horses are exposed to various sounds of the city during training, and they learn to navigate streets and assist in crowd control. The unit performs routine patrols, crowd control during events, and represents the police department at ceremonies and memorial services.

The mounted unit, established in 1906 to address traffic congestion in the Loop, has become a beloved presence in Chicago. The horses serve as ambassadors of goodwill, captivating children and fostering positive relationships with the community. The officers and horses have a strong bond, emerging as a cohesive unit ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way, standing tall with unwavering loyalty and professionalism.