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California Riding Magazine • July, 2009 Alpha & Omega by Kathleen Burke Jensen |
From a humble beginning as a western entertainment company, the Alpha & Omega Mounted Security Patrol has evolved into the nation’s oldest and largest private cavalry providing public safety at mass gatherings across the country. They are a well-known entity at the nation’s largest music festivals and amphitheaters and are in their 15th year patrolling at one of Texas’ largest mixed use developments, The Woodlands Township. While they are a national organization and have clients that span the country, Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol has a strong regional presence in California. A few of the festivals that they have patrolled in California include the Coachella Music and Arts Festival, the Stagecoach Country Music Festival, Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival at Golden Gate Park, The Dave Matthews Band concert at Golden Gate Park, the San Diego County Fair and many of the amphitheaters in the state including the Shoreline Amphitheater, Alpha & Omega was founded in the 1980s by CEO Frank Keller. Keller and his late father, a 40-year veteran of law enforcement, originally designed the first privately owned mounted patrol in the United States to provide security for shopping malls. Continued expansion took the company into security for arenas, amphitheaters, stadiums, concerts, festivals, business improvement districts and other mass gatherings. Today, Alpha & Omega Mounted Security Patrol continues to serve the public interest by supplying highly visible deterrents to crime. From high atop their horses, the professionally trained A&O Troopers provide crowd management as they patrol events across the country. “Our Troopers are experienced riders who love to ride and enjoy the opportunity to earn some money while riding,” says Keller. “They are highly trained in public safety measures and are carefully coached in customer service tactics.”
Alpha & Omega Troopers patrol year-round at The Woodlands Township near Houston, TX. Many join the special concert patrols that provide security for the nation’s largest music festivals, amphitheaters and arenas. Extra Eyes and Ears Working closely with local law enforcement, Troopers provide extra eyes and ears to prevent criminal activity. Troopers can clear a path for emergency vehicles easily and horses are trained to escort either VIPs or paramedics and police through crowded foot traffic. Lee Phillips of the Peacemaker Medical Crew at the Bonnaroo Music & Camping Festival witnessed this Trooper skill firsthand. “After picking up a man in respiratory distress, we faced the grueling task of getting to the field hospital through the nighttime crowds,” recounts Phillips. “As we started to leave, six horses and riders came out in front of us and cut a wedge through the crowd for us to follow. It was like the Red Sea parting.” The A&O Mounted Security Patrol just completed its eighth year of providing patrols at the huge annual festival. Rick Farmen, promoter of Bonnaroo, noted that mutual respect between fan and security officer is necessary for a successful and safe music event. “The key to our security philosophy is that our audience is one that, if treated with respect, responds with respect. The types of fans that come to our festivals enjoy having the mounted patrol there. It is something they look forward to. It gives them a sense that it is a safe environment,” he explains.
Because of high visibility atop their horses, Troopers on concert patrol Protection of people and property is the chief goal of the Alpha & Omega Mounted Security Patrol. Many advantages come with a mounted security unit. A mounted Trooper sits eight to ten feet high, towering over the tops of parked vehicles allowing exceptional visibility with a 360-degree range of vision. Studies indicate a mounted Trooper is six times more visible due to his or her position than a foot patrol, bike patrol or motorized unit. Strong, visible security fosters repeat business because customers, visitors and fans feel safe. Troopers interact with patrons, creating a reassuring presence. Riders are able to maneuver easily in situations that are difficult, if not impossible, for traditional patrols. Difficult terrain and constricted areas are the specialty of Alpha & Omega Mounted Security Patrol as horses move easily over uneven ground. A mounted Trooper can rapidly maneuver between parked cars and vehicles. The stately, groomed horses act as a bridge between the public and Troopers. The combination of a well-trained horse and Trooper commands respect, creating unsurpassed efficiency in
For more information on Alpha & Omega Services, Inc., call 817-379-6607, e-mail info@mountedpatrol.com or visit www.mountedpatrol.com. |
