Learning about public safety came with four hooves and two friendly noses at Cityview Scholars Academy last month.
On September 26, the Atlanta Department of Corrections partnered with the Atlanta Police Department (APD) to bring two special visitors—Mounted Patrol horses Drifter and Joker—to campus. For many students, it was their first time seeing a police horse up close. For staff, it was another step in strengthening trust and connection between young people and the public servants who serve them.
The visit reflects the City’s commitment to the Mayor’s One Safe City pillar, which focuses not only on enforcement, but also on building relationships that keep neighborhoods safe and strong.
Learning How Horses Help Keep Atlanta Safe
As students gathered outside on the academy steps, APD Mounted Patrol Officers J.L. Williams and L. Sheppard, with support from J. Sheffield, introduced Drifter and Joker to the eager crowd.
The officers explained how mounted patrol units support public safety across Atlanta—from assisting with crowd management at major events to providing visibility in neighborhoods and parks. Students learned that the horses help officers see farther, move through large gatherings safely, and connect with residents in a more approachable way.
Officers also taught students how to safely approach and interact with the horses—an important lesson in respect, responsibility, and safety around animals.
After the brief demonstration, students lined up patiently for their turn to pet Drifter and Joker before heading back to class, smiles wide and questions answered.
“It’s important for our students to see officers in a positive, engaging setting,” one academy staff member shared. “Experiences like this help build familiarity and trust at an early age.”
A Longstanding Partnership
Cityview Scholars Academy has maintained a strong partnership with the Department of Corrections, rooted in consistent community engagement. Corrections officers visit the academy monthly to read with students and participate in classroom activities, reinforcing literacy and mentorship efforts.
This ongoing relationship supports the City’s broader efforts to connect public safety professionals with youth in meaningful, positive ways. Rather than only encountering officers during emergencies, students experience them as mentors, role models, and community partners.
These interactions help young residents better understand the many roles public safety professionals play—from corrections to patrol to specialized units like Mounted Patrol.
Connecting Youth and Public Safety
Programs like this demonstrate that public safety extends beyond response—it includes prevention, engagement, and relationship-building. Early exposure to positive community interactions can shape how young people view civic responsibility and the role of government in their lives.
For the Department of Corrections and APD, opportunities to step outside traditional roles and connect directly with youth help strengthen community bonds and create lasting impressions.
Learn More About Mounted Patrol
Interested in learning more about the Atlanta Police Department’s Mounted Patrol unit or requesting community engagement opportunities?
Visit the APD Mounted Patrol page to explore how the unit serves Atlanta and how to get in touch:
https://atlantapolicefoundation.org/programs/mounted-patrol/
