A mall in Louisiana now has police officers patrolling the area on horse back. Seen as a positive way to provide security, the officers are able to interact with visitors to the mall in a positive way as they patrol the area.
Officers on horse back patrol
Because the Baton Rouge Police Department is taking over mall patrols as part of an annexation process, the horses will be tools they're using to provide security.
"The horses, of course, are very visible and it's unusual to see a horse in a parking lot, so we get a lot of attention from it," said Sgt. Mary Ann Godawa with the Baton Rouge Police Department. "The horses kind of help bridge the gap between the police department and the public. They come up, children love to pet them, even adults love to pet them."
Because the Baton Rouge Police Department is taking over mall patrols as part of an annexation process, the horses will be tools they're using. Officers said the horses not only help with security, but they also provide an opportunity to talk to people in the community.