Mounted Police Unit (MPU)

University Police Department
Sergeant Willie Newman

Click here to view our MPU Photo Gallery

The University Mounted Police Unit (MPU) was formed in 1995 as a way to effectively patrol large events, such as concerts, football games and rodeos.

The MPU also patrols the university campus by providing services and community police relations to the students and facility, which promotes positive public relations and at the same time provides a high visible police presence wherever the MPU are deployed in their law enforcement duties.

The Mounted Police Unit officer is considered a professional equestrian. All officers are required to pass a written examination and a mounted riding and skills qualification test. This is required for the safety of the officer, his mount and the safety of the university community and the general public. The officers are also required to attend a police mounted training class yearly for re-certification and to elevate the officers equestrian skills.

In September of 2005 the Consolidated Students of the University of Nevada (CSUN) Senate approved a transfer of $50,000.00 to the UNLV Police Department to help fund the MPU. Members of this governing body stated that they support the high visible police presence that the MPU provides in locations such as the crosswalk on Maryland Parkway.