How horses are helping Atlanta police during the World Cup

During the World Cup in Atlanta, horses are playing a practical role in crowd management, according to reports from around Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Officers from the Atlanta Police Department’s mounted patrol unit patrolled on horseback around the stadium perimeter during the Morocco–Haiti match, moving through crowds while maintaining watch over one of the city’s largest sporting events. Lt. Greg Lyon, who leads the unit, said the height advantage helps officers see over people’s heads to spot potential problems. Mounted officers have been a recurring feature around World Cup events in Atlanta, assisting with directing crowds, deterring crime, and responding quickly. Lyon said crime has decreased throughout the tournament despite the arrival of hundreds of thousands of visitors, describing additional horses and horseback officers as a “force multiplier.” Fans and supporters also noticed the visible presence, including a Morocco supporter and a Haiti supporter who attended the team’s match in Boston before arriving in Atlanta.