The Tempe Police Mounted Unit provides high-visibility patrol, crowd management, and community engagement throughout the city. The unit currently consists of seven horses, one sergeant, two full-time officers, 13 reserve officers, one part-time groom, and several dedicated volunteers.

The seven mounts—Titan, Ranger, Rex, Rio, Stryder, Thor, and LEO (Law Enforcement Officer, named by the community)—are geldings aged 5 to 14 years. Each horse undergoes a thorough veterinary exam and extensive evaluations for temperament, sensory sensitivity, and riding suitability. The Department selects mounts with excellent dispositions, sound conformation, and the ability to perform in diverse, high-stress environments.

Mounted Unit History

Established in 1974, the Mounted Unit originally patrolled Kiwanis Park. The first officers, Jim Phillips and Loren Wunderle, rode Mopaho and Radar and were responsible for all horse care and equipment maintenance. As Tempe grew, the unit shifted focus to the Downtown/Mill Avenue area, handling large crowds, special events, and festivals.

In 1990, reserve officers were added, providing supplemental patrol support. Volunteers from the VIP program assist with daily horse care, and a part-time groom was added in 1994, freeing officers to focus on patrol duties. Over the decades, the unit’s role has expanded to include public relations, park and neighborhood patrols, crowd management, and ceremonial duties.

Mounted Unit Training

Mounted officers complete 120 hours of basic police horsemanship training, covering stable management, safety, equitation, crowd control, tack and equipment, equine anatomy, trailer operation, and departmental procedures. Training is tailored to each officer’s experience and includes written and practical evaluations.

New mounted officers receive on-the-job training from experienced riders before solo assignment. All mounted officers participate in monthly unit-level training and an annual competency evaluation. Each officer is also responsible for ongoing training and care of their mount to maintain peak performance.

The Tempe Police Mounted Unit combines specialized training, dedicated staff, and highly capable horses to ensure effective patrols, public engagement, and community safety.

  Obstacle Course & Crowd Control Training 

Legal Protections for Mounted Officers

Tempe Police Department mounts are protected under Arizona state law.

• Arizona Revised Statute 13-2910.A.6: Recklessly interfering with, striking, or harming a service animal—such as a police horse, police dog, or service dog—is classified as a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

• Arizona Revised Statute 13-2910.A.9: Intentionally committing the same acts is classified as a Class 6 Felony.

Individuals convicted of interfering with a working animal may be held financially responsible for the cost of care or replacement of the mount, training expenses, and the officer’s salary while out of service, in addition to potential imprisonment and fines.

We appreciate your support of the Tempe Police Mounted Unit and look forward to seeing you at community events, city parks, and throughout Downtown Tempe.

Equitation Training

Formation Training