Napa Sheriff Mounted Posse

[WokMaster1]

Saw a whole bunch of them today at the Tour de Cure in Yountville today. All armed with a wide array of handguns, batons & pepper spray. Most likely their own gear.

Are they sworn LEOs or deputized volunteers? Off duty carry/CCW?

Anyone know anything about them, besides the obvious horse related duties?

[BigDogatPlay]

More about Napa Sheriff's Posse

My understanding is that they are reserves, hence volunteers sworn on duty.

[Jack L]

More about Napa Sheriff's Posse

My understanding is that they are reserves, hence volunteers sworn on duty.

We have a program like that here in our county. We also have the same if you own an aircraft. There are a number of volunteer programs out there to participate in if you are interested. Some counties have these posted online in the county sheriff's department homepage.

[eltee]

Yes, in addition to traditional reserves, some agencies have a marine squadron, air squadron, SAR unit, and mounted unit / posse. Sometimes they are ceremonial, sometimes full fledged reserve status. Often their ID cards will state auxiliary or honorary or "special" vs. reserve if they are not academy trained and ineligible for status. If they are not granted reserve status, sometimes they can get a CCW. Varies based on location, agency, etc.

[CSACANNONEER]

Yes, in addition to traditional reserves, some agencies have a marine squadron, air squadron, SAR unit, and mounted unit / posse. Sometimes they are ceremonial, sometimes full fledged reserve status. Often their ID cards will state auxiliary or honorary or "special" vs. reserve if they are not academy trained and ineligible for status. If they are not granted reserve status, sometimes they can get a CCW. Varies based on location, agency, etc.

It's not "some agencies" when it comes to things like SAR. Every SO in the state is MANDATED to have certain units and SAR is one of them. Jails are another. The interesting thing is that no SO in the state is mandated by law to provide a single patrol unit.

[Hopalong]

We have a program like that here in our county. We also have the same if you own an aircraft. There are a number of volunteer programs out there to participate in if you are interested. Some counties have these posted online in the county sheriff's department homepage.

Yes, but they are not Leos, just people with horses.

Their biggest task is to not injure themselves, their horses, or bystanders, during parades.

They are the epitome of F Troop.

[WokMaster1]

Yes, but they are not Leos, just people with horses.

Their biggest task is to not injure themselves, their horses, or bystanders, during parades.

They are the epitome of F Troop.

If that's the case, why the sidearms, cuffs, collapsible baton, vest, pepper spray & 2 way radios? All show & no pow? I doubt it in this state.

[4FTTY]

I believe many of Napa SO's mounted posse are retired deputies from the Office or from other agencies. The others are some of the last reserve deputies in the county.

[Jack L]

Yes, but they are not Leos, just people with horses.

Their biggest task is to not injure themselves, their horses, or bystanders, during parades.

They are the epitome of F Troop.

I have not asked any of them if they are used in the outback at times for search and rescue and if they have CCW's. That was the original point in the 'old days. The Sheriff's volunteer Aero Squadron does have CCW's if they want one.

[Hopalong]

If that's the case, why the sidearms, cuffs, collapsible baton, vest, pepper spray & 2 way radios? All show & no pow? I doubt it in this state.

I'm not talking about Napa, I don't know what they do up there

I'm talking about here, in Jack's county

Believe me, we are light years away from "the old days"

I can't imagine some of the people I have worked for over the years

Who have claimed to be on the Sheriff's Posse

Having a CCW

They're dangerous enough with a halter and lead rope

[Jack L]

I'm not talking about Napa, I don't know what they do up there

I'm talking about here, in Jack's county

Believe me, we are light years away from "the old days"

I can't imagine some of the people I have worked for over the years

Who have claimed to be on the Sheriff's Posse

Having a CCW

They're dangerous enough with a halter and lead rope

I imagine horses are used a lot less now that ATVs and helicopters are available. There may still be a few areas horses would be best. Maybe like an eco sensitive area when no ATV's are allowed or if there is fog or some environmental problem where a chopper cannot fly in?

I know in areas of Death Valley no choppers are allowed to land even for body recovery. They use mules and horses.

Off the SLOC Sheriff's site;

One of the oldest auxiliary units of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office is the Sheriff's Posse. Dating back to the 1940's, this unit is made up of volunteers on horseback. The Sheriff's Posse represents the Sheriff's Office in parades and search and rescue operations. Each member is required to provide and maintain their own horse, equipment and uniform. The Sheriff's Posse is divided into two teams. The teams consist of a Search and Rescue Team and a Ceremonial Team.