Mounted Patrol Unit
Established in 2024, the Knoxville Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit is a full-time unit designed to increase police visibility and foster community engagement in Knoxville’s downtown area and at major events, including parades, sporting events and other citywide gatherings.
The KPD acquired its first two horses in late 2024 and started the mounted patrol training in January 2025. Training was completed in late April 2025 and the unit became fully operational on May 4, 2025.
The Mounted Patrol Unit currently consists of three officers and two horses, Phyl and Waggoner. Both horses are Percherons that were purchased from Mounted Patrol International, a Texas-based company.
Horse Care
Officers assigned to the Mounted Patrol Unit are responsible for all aspects of the horses’ care, including feeding, grooming and facilitating regular veterinary check-ups. Those officers have developed deep connections with the horses and take great pride in providing for their health and well-being.
Demonstrations
The Mounted Patrol Unit is available to conduct demonstrations for schools or other community groups. The unit is assigned to the Knoxville Police Department’s Central District. To inquire about a demonstration, please contact the Central District Captain Darrell Griffin at [email protected].
1650 Huron Street
Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: (865) 215-7000
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© Knoxville Police Department 2025