Information
Information
Our Heritage: The Birth of the Mounted Police Officer in Texas
In 1713, the Viceroy Duque de Linares ordered land owners to organize “Flying Squadrons” (Companias Volante) to resist Indians incursions. These units were comprised of approx. 70 mounted men. This unit was to become one of the most important. In 1772, Teodoro de Croix, Commandant General of these Northern Provinces, ordered a more formal organization of the “Flying Squadrons” still composed of Volunteers, but were trained by professional officers. They served longer tours of duty as they engaged in extensive campaigns throughout the frontier. Originally the entire squadron moved from presidio to presidio (Presidio-Fort or Garrison) remaining for several months at each one.
In 1803, however, the “Flying Squadron” (Compania Volante) of San Carlos de Parras was assigned to Bexar where it became a permanent part of Valero. This unit was the men that renamed the mission “Alamo“, after their hometown near Parras. In 1810, Viceroy Marquees de Valero appointed Miguel Velasques as Alcalde of Queretaro. A province overridden with crime, Velasquez was told to gather a group of volunteers to Pursue, Apprehend and Execute any and all bandits that violated Queen Isabel of Spains' laws. By regulation, each man was required to possess a carbine, two pistols, a saddle, a blanket, spurs, a hat (made from leather matching the others in the unit), a matching leather jacket and several horses (all had to be Gray). These men were the forerunners to the “Texas Rangers”; nearly all of the requirements to be a Ranger were adopted from the “Companias Volante”.
In 1987 the “Bexar County Mounted Patrol” was originally formed to provide Mounted Security for Pope John Paul II when he visited San Antonio, the unit was comprised of 23 members of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department. After the Pope had departed San Antonio the members felt that there was a demand for a Mounted Search and Rescue Unit in this area. They elected officers, wrote bylaws and started making contacts in order to get some formal education. They sent members who were state police instructors to different schools and they came back, wrote their own lesson plans and started teaching their own classes. Seeing an additional need for teaching other Units, they expanded their teaching staff and teach not only Mounted Units in Texas, but now travel throughout the U.S. teaching “Mounted Police Training” as well as “Man Tracking”. They have taught an average of 9 schools a year since they started teaching other agencies.
They eliminated the requirement that members had to come from the sheriff’s office and allowed officers from other departments as well as civilians to join. They also donate labor to charitable causes in addition to monetary funds as well. They travel throughout the area talking with the youth about Mounted Police and their role in Law Enforcement. They offer their services to the citizens of Bexar County, as well as other counties throughout Texas. They are not only a Search and Rescue Unit, but travel throughout the US competing in Mounted Police Competition.
Each member is required to successfully complete a 40-hour training course with his or her horse. Once they pass the course, both horse and rider are certified to be part of the Bexar County Mounted Patrol, Search and Rescue Unit. This certification must be renewed annually. The members are also trained on tracking people, administering first aid and preserving crime scenes. The members of the Bexar County Mounted Patrol include both law enforcement officers and civilian personnel. The Bexar County Mounted Patrol is a non-profit organization that works independently of any law enforcement agency. We are self-sufficient as we raise money through membership dues, fees, fundraisers and sponsors.
The Bexar County Mounted Patrol was requested to aid in searches in Gulfport, Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.