Friday meeting to discuss volunteer Mounted Patrol and Search Team

Friday, January 2, 2026 at 7:59 AM

By Staff report

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is exploring the formation of an all-volunteer Mounted Patrol and Search Team.

The sheriff’s office has discussed internally the many benefits of mounted units, including enhanced search capabilities, patrol support at public events, and positive community engagement. Earlier this year, during the search for a missing person in Putnam County, crews experienced limitations due to the absence of these resources.

Since that time, two Putnam County residents have stepped forward with a proposal to establish a Sheriff’s Posse. While this concept may be new to the area, it has a long-standing history in law enforcement. With this in mind, an organizational meeting has been scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, at the Putnam County 911 Dispatch Center.

Individuals interested in discussing participation in this team are encouraged to attend or to send a representative to obtain informational materials and take part in the discussion. For those unable to attend, information may be provided after the meeting upon request by emailing sheriff.info@co.putnam.in.us.

Basic requirements include:
• Ownership of a riding horse and trailer
• Ability to pass a background check with references
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must not be a prohibited person under firearm ownership laws
• Willingness to sign waivers and assume personal risk