Tulsa County Sheriff's Office: Be Mindful Of Mounted Patrol

Newson6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Two nights left of the Tulsa State Fair and the Sheriff's Office is asking the public to be mindful of the Mounted Patrol.

The Mounted Patrol is made up of Tulsa County Sheriff's Deputies on horseback who patrol the fair to help with security.

This year, the riders have had some trouble with people blocking the horse's paths, ignoring verbal warnings and even slapping the horses.

The horses have been through rigorous training to handle rowdy crowds and noisy environments, but the riders say some behavior will not be tolerated.

"When you slap that horse, you are slapping us and it is assault and battery on a police officer. That is a crime and you can go to jail for that," said Sgt Paula Hite, of the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.

The Mounted Patrol usually rides from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. with 15 to 20 riders.