The organization of a “volunteer effort” to aid the Sheriff of a county in America became formally known as a posse back to the early 1600’s. The name “posse” is derived from the familiar Latin term “posse comitatus” which translates to a “volunteer effort of the county.”
Though much has changed over the 300+ years since the formation of the first American posses, the origin of volunteerism to benefit the citizens of the county still remains the cornerstone of even today’s dedicated posses.
Not Just for “Show and Tell”
Often the face of the department at special events like parades, Ramona Pageant, Coachella Fest, Balloon and Wine Festival, Farmer’s Fair, and malls during holidays, the Sheriff's Posse plays a very important role in public relations for the department around the county. Today’s posse however, are much more than just for “show and tell.”
Since the adoption of the Department’s Mounted Posse Manual in September of 2009 horses and riders assigned to all seven Sheriff’s Posse Troops have completed annual qualifications.
The rigors of qualifications test even the most experienced horse and riders, ensuring that those who wear the Sheriff’s Posse badge can perform all support functions of the Sheriff, and not just those associated with public appearances.
When a commercial burglary suspect was being pursued on foot by mall security, Posse members galloped along both sides of the would-be criminal, preventing him from changing course until he finally came to a dead-end and was taken into custody by deputies assigned to bike patrol who had entered the chase. More than $14,000 in merchandise was recovered.
At a recent public event two parolee gang members who had too much to drink started to square off and quickly found themselves being forced in opposite directions of each other by Posse members using their skills and their horses to “guide” them away from each other, stunning both into compliance.
How to Volunteer
Day in and day out, members of the various Posse Troops throughout the county serve the interests of the Sheriff and their communities in many ways.
Whether it’s patrolling Water District lands in the Banning Pass area on weekends for trespassers and vandals, patrolling the horse trails of Norco, or assisting at DUI checkpoints in Hemet, they contribute in many ways beyond just appearances at special events.
Contact your Local Volunteer Coordinator for more information on volunteering for a posse in your area.
How to Volunteer
for more information on volunteering for a posse in your area. 
