Police horses in Newman

Two larger-than-life members of the WA Police Force assisted operations in Newman, patrolling the streets, conducting random breath tests and visiting schools.

The Pilbara town was delighted by the arrival of the two police horses, PD and Destiny, who are based in Perth but travel across the State.

South Newman Primary School principal Katie Wallace said the two mounted police officers spent time with each class out on the oval, talking about their role in the police force and answering questions such as how hard their jobs were and what the horses ate.

“It was really nice for our kids who don’t have the opportunity for seeing horses, but also for kids who do have horses at home,” she said. “For them, some were thinking about it as a job they might want to go into.”

The school visits’ most exciting moment was when children were told if they all spoke a command at the same time, Destiny would do a trick.

“The kids were just laughing,” the principal said.

“Destiny go forward, Destiny go backwards — she even turned around.”

The horses visited all three schools in Newman as well as performing their usual police duties.

Newman Police Station officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Mark Fleskens said when the horses were patrolling, they were often approached for pictures and selfies by residents and youth who otherwise wouldn’t have interacted with officers.

“They were fantastic in terms of the engagement they did,” Sen. Sgt Fleskens said.

In light of the successful visit, Newman police are looking into having the horses return for the Bloody Slow Cup in October.