South Australia Police Mounted Operations Unit has moved to its new home at Gepps Cross.
The mounted police officers and stable hands have spent the past few days relocating from Thebarton Barracks to this state-of-the-art facility.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens said the wellbeing of the 32 police horses has been key in all design decisions.
“Our highly trained police horses assist in crime reduction, deterrence and are a key part of our policing response to protest activity,” Commissioner Stevens said.
“The large undercover arena will give our Mounted Operations Unit the space to train for these incidents year-round.
“The 32 ventilated stables can house the entire mounted cadre, while the onsite paddocks mean the horses can be moved depending on their needs.”
The stables also include cross tie areas, offices, uniform and equipment storage, a vet station, wash facilities, round yards, carparking and elements of history from the Thebarton Barracks stables.
“The facilities have been designed to ensure operational flow and efficiencies to streamline work of the Mounted Operations Officers who have equipment and storage nearby which creates efficiencies,” Commissioner Stevens said.
Furthermore, the site has environmentally friendly additions, with 350,000 litres of rainwater storage, 200kw of solar panels and has been revegetated with endemic species of around 14,000 plants.
The Gepps Cross site will also house the Dog Operations Unit and staff offices, who will move in early next year.
Minister for Police Dan Cregan said providing both Units new and improved facilities would support community safety.
“These Units are critical to SA Police’s operational capabilities and we are delivering the resources needed to set them up for the long-term,” Minister Cregan said.
“A modern, fit-for-purpose home for the police greys and dogs will support the work of officers for decades to come.”
Mounted Operations has been a part of South Australia Police history since it was formed in 1838 with a small contingent of mounted troopers. The police greys have been an integral part of SA Police since World War 1 and is the only Australian police service that specifically uses greys.
