Yea or nay?
Jersey City may bring back police horses for the first time in 46 years.
The City Council will hear a measure next week that would authorize the city to use 605 Monmouth St. as the site of stables for police horses.
The city got rid of its mounted unit in 1972, calling it "a luxury the city cannot afford" and re-assigning its 12 officers to the motorcycle squad.
Mayor Steve Fulop said on Twitter that the unit will be useful during festivals and large events.
Councilman Rich Boggiano, a retired police detective, has used his Facebook page to wax nostalgic about the city's police horses.
Boggiano, reached by phone, initiated the conversation by neighing, then said he will vote against the plan.
"How about bringing back the motorcycles? How about bringing back the police academy? Then we can bring back the horses," Boggiano said. "How about straightening out the police department?"
Jersey City disbanded the motorcycle squad three years ago.
City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione pointed to the recent reduction in shootings and homicides in the city, saying, "All residents see the progress and we will continue to add resources to the JCPD as needed to expand a world class department."
It is not clear how much the unit will cost, but Fulop says it has been budgeted.
Do you think Jersey City should bring back the police horse unit?
Vote in our informal and unscientific poll and tell us why in the comments.