DETROIT,

MI -A new grassroots group called the Motor City Horse Force has been hitting local radio airwaves hard lately to raise awareness about Metro Detroit's lack of a mounted police force.

Tune in to Detroit radio station WWJ (950 AM) and you'll likely hear the advertisements asking the community to support its projects, adoption programs for retired horses, procurement for new horses, training and other day to day needs.

and stems from financial circumstances that led in 2005 to drastic in the Detroit Police Department's mounted program.

A foundation led by retired Marine Corps Brigadier Gen. Robert S. Raisch tried to save Detroit's mounted force at the time and was approached in 2006 by former Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans to support the county's mounted force.

That led to the birth of the "Motor City Horse Force."

Those who donate to the organization can what mounted unit they want their contribution to support; all donations are tax deductible.

Mounted police units are known to enhance the public image of law enforcement and improve community relations. Units often serve several police-related purposes including crowd control, traffic management and search-and-rescue.

Officers on horses get a different perspective patrolling areas than those on foot or in a car, too. What do you think about the idea of more mounted police in Southeast Michigan? Let us know in our comments section.

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