According to member of parliamentary committee for law enforcement Toomas Viks (Reform Party), Tallinn Old Town loud night life might be reined in by mounted police. «This would be effective bridling the baddies, impart security into townsfolk, fit the Old Town scenery and attract tourists,» thinks Mr Viks.
It is currently proposed, in the name of night time quiet, to shorten open hours of recreational establishments, which would not be effective in the opinion of Mr Viks – the city being unable to maintain order in the streets at night. «Inside cafés and bars, order is ensured by security personnel. The current situation is largely caused by tough guys out for mischief feeling above law,» said the parliament member.
«Today, police patrols are a rare sight on the streets of Tallinn. As ordinary citizens feel, therefore, vulnerable, trouble makers are the more emboldened. Let us carouse and make merry, for who dares to check us, think the crooks,» meditates Mr Viks.
According to Mr Viks, the famed Royal Canadian Mounted Police has arisen to national symbol status. Mounted police most abounds in Moscow, USA, Canada and UK. In megacities of the world, mounted police patrol public places, parks, major music and culture events, and public gatherings.
Mr Viks underlines that studies in countries with mounted police reveal small mounted units as most mobile and effective, in certain situations – above the effectiveness of more numerous policemen on foot. «They say: one policeman on horseback equals five on own two feet,» said Mr Viks.
«I’d compare the mounted police hoofbeat on Old Town cobble stone streets to a patrol car siren – a sign for the baddies that Law is on its way. It has also been proven that animals reduce human aggressiveness, having a calming and placative effect.»
Mr Viks thinks mounted police might mostly patrol in summer time, say from May 1st to September 1st. «Here I would like to underline that, when it comes to Tallinn city districts, the centre has always had the worst criminal record. Would the appearance of mounted police make Old Town environment and night life more peaceful and secure? I’m convinced it would,» believes the expert.