Foundation

The original non-profit "Friends of the Saint Paul Mounted Police" foundation was formed in 1995 as concerned citizens rallied to support a mounted patrol for the Saint Paul Police Department. In addition to start-up costs, the foundation assisted with capital improvements to the program. Due to budgetary concerns in 2003, the Mounted Unit was temporarily disbanded. Though re-established the following year, the unit continues to operate with a very basic budget under the citywide services branch of the police department.

Now, more than ever, budgets are being scrutinized as economic conditions warrant that local governments look seriously at resources, services, and finances. Mounted units in other areas of the country (e.g. Boston PD) have been dissolved. That's why concerned citizens, horse enthusiasts, and supporters of the Saint Paul Police Mounted Unit stepped up yet again to let our government leaders know that this is a service that is invaluable to the citizens of Saint Paul and the greater Minnesota community.

The Friends of the Saint Paul Mounted Police has now morphed into the Saint Paul Police Mounted Patrol Foundation, a non-profit 501c3 organization capable of accepting tax-deductible gifts. These gifts are not intended to supplement or replace the police department's budget, but to support the Saint Paul Police Mounted Unit by providing capital improvements, assisting with equipment and horse purchases, additional training opportunities, and increased awareness and support of what the Saint Paul Police Department's Mounted Unit does on a daily basis.