SOUTH Yorkshire Police has got its mounted unit back, and the region\u2019s police Federation could not be more delighted.<\/p>\n
The force\u2019s horses were moved to West Yorkshire three years ago in a cost cutting measure.<\/p>\n
But now they\u2019re back at their refurbished base at Ring Farm near Barnsley and ready to go out on patrol again.<\/p>\n
South Yorkshire Police Federation Chairman Steve Kent was pleased to welcome the unit home which, he said, plays a vital role during public order incidents.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cIt\u2019s great news, and we as a Federation support their return.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe horses play a vital role in public order. When you look at football matches, of which we have a disproportionate amount in South Yorkshire because of our football teams, the presence of horses makes a massive difference to the officers on the ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo the public it\u2019s positive. Positive interaction with police horses from the public is always there. So it\u2019s brilliant news and we are really glad to have them back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Steve hopes it\u2019s a sign that the days of austerity and cuts to the force could be over.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cResources are being built back up, and officer numbers are starting to rise as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m hoping, as a Force, we\u2019ve reached the bottom of where we were and we\u2019re starting to pick up.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got challenging times still ahead, but we want to get those things back in place and get the officers back in place.<\/p>\n
\u201cHorses and dogs are very welcome and that\u2019s been noticed more and more, the availability on the frontline of police dogs is a huge confidence boost.\u201d<\/p>\n