The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit has been patrolling the streets since 1984, with deputies playing a serious role in law enforcement while also engaging with the community. Deputies like Master Deputy Lindsay Gonzalez work with their horses, forming strong bonds with them as they patrol neighborhoods, high-crime areas, shopping plazas, and respond to searches for missing people. The unique connection between deputies, their horses, and the community makes mounted patrol effective in building partnerships and gathering information that may not be available through traditional police methods.

Deputies like Gonzalez and Andrew Stephens emphasize the powerful presence they have while on horseback, with their horses being seen as a force multiplier in law enforcement situations. The bond between deputy and mount is compared to that of the K-9 division, with the horses being ridden and cared for daily by their deputies. The public responds differently to mounted patrol officers, showing a love for the animals and a willingness to engage with law enforcement in a way that may not happen with officers in traditional police cars.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit is seen as a valuable asset in law enforcement, providing a different perspective and a strong community presence. Deputies like Gonzalez believe that their job is unlike any other in the agency, with the opportunity to build relationships with the public and gather important information that can help keep the community safe. The mounted patrol officers are proud of their work and the unique bond they have with their horses, making them a valuable and effective part of the sheriff’s office.