Volunteer Forces Unit | Riverside County Sheriff, CA

History of the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse

The organization of a “volunteer effort” to aid the Sheriff of a county in America became formally known as a posse back to the early 1600s. The name “posse” is derived from the familiar Latin term posse comitatus which translates to a “volunteer effort of the county.”

Though much has changed over the 300+ years since the formation of the first American posses, the origin of volunteerism to benefit the citizens of the county still remains the cornerstone of even today’s dedicated posses.

The Mounted Posse Today

A mounted posse is a non-profit group of volunteers who dedicate their time to their communities and the Sheriff’s Office. The troops are comprised of volunteers who use their personal horses for duties such as the following:

• Charity events
• Parade detail
• Patrol
• Public relations
• Search and rescue

Not all members of the mounted posse are riding members. Many troops welcome volunteers who would like to dedicate their time as “ground support” whose jobs are to ensure safety of the crowds and public who wish to interact with the posse horses and riders, provide clean up detail, and ensure the protection of the riders’ personal equipment while on duty as well as serve as “eyes and ears” lookout in different situations.

Not Just for “Show and Tell”

Often the face of the Sheriff’s Office at special events like parades, Ramona Pageant, Coachella Fest, Balloon and Wine Festival, Farmer’s Fair, and malls during holidays, the Sheriff’s Posse plays a very important role in public relations around the county. Today’s posse, however, is much more than just for “show and tell.”

Volunteers must be:

• 18 years of age
• Be in reasonable health and physically able to perform the duties required of a Mounted Posse members
• A citizen of the United States of America or a legal resident with a citizen application in process
• Pass a basic background investigation

Riding members must:

• Own or have reasonable access to and satisfactorily maintain an equine in good condition and sound health
• Own or have reasonable access to a truck and horse trailer

Ground support members need not own a horse or trailer but should be able to meet the physical requirements of their duties.

How to Volunteer

Whether patrolling Water District lands in the Banning Pass area on weekends for trespassers and vandals, patrolling the horse trails of Norco, or assisting at DUI checkpoints in Hemet, the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse contributes in many ways beyond just appearances at special events.

To contribute your time and skills to your community, please contact the Volunteer Forces Unit.