NYPD Mounted Unit moves into high-crime areas

[Guest hoss]

Powerful weapons coming to the NYPD

Just one can give a cop the power of ten

Eyewitness News' Tim Fleischer

(New York-WABC, April 20, 2006) -

There's a new trend in fighting crime -- and it's not high tech or even rooted in CSI forensic work.

In fact, after decades of being viewed as a throwback, horseback policing is undergoing a huge resurgence, especially with the NYPD.

Eyewitness News reporter Tim Fleischer has the story.

Officer Ryan Bishop and his mount, Shane, begin their patrol now with expanding duties.

"I get around the city a lot easier, I'll tell you that ... 10 feet high, people see me," Bishop said.

Used primarily for control of large crowds and some ceremonial duties, the NYPD's mounted unit is now moving into high crime areas for patrol work.

Officer Bishop: "It's very visible, people see you coming and hear the clippity clop down the street."

With expanded duties comes an expanded budget from the police commissioner -- money for officers and horses.

Horses like Shane run any where from $2500 and $4,000. But some of the new horses they will be buying could cost as much as $8,000. And only one in five will make it through the training.

With high visibility, some welcome the new patrol duties. And for Officer Bishop and Shane, there is more work to do.

"We're still very helpful, I believe we are, " Bishop added.