San Jose council defers vote on reinstating police mounted unit after public concern; staff asked to return in budget process

San Jose City Council members on Sept. 16 voted to defer consideration of a staff proposal to reinstate the San Jose Police Department’s mounted (horse) unit and directed the city manager to explore alternative ways to increase downtown policing visibility and community engagement. The council’s substitute motion — requesting the item be considered during the next fiscal year budget process and directing staff to explore alternatives — passed 6‑4.

The police asked to restore a collateral horse‑mounted unit largely funded by private donations and to use previously allocated “walking beat” funds for ongoing costs. The department and the San Jose Police Foundation presented a plan with startup costs of about $390,000 (starter funding pledged by the foundation and donors), ongoing annual operating costs the memo estimated at roughly $120,000 in…