SUMTER COUNTY MOUNTED RESERVE UNIT
Standard Operating Procedures
 

While in Uniform and / or while presenting oneself as a member of the Sumter County Mounted Reserve Unit, members of the Posse shall be governed by the Articles of Organization, Standard Operating Procedures, Standard Training Procedures and Posse Rules and Regulations.  

Membership
Members are to be sponsored and mentored by existing members.  Founding Members  are considered to be the original sponsors.
Members are expected to regularly attend general meetings and all trainings that apply to their Divisions.
Members may participate in multiple Divisions.
Members are expected to always present  professional, courteous  and respectful behavior in all Posse dealings.  Members may at times be at odds with the decisions made by the current command,  general members and / or Board of Directors. Members are expected to understand that creating disharmony is harmful to the organization as a whole and to people at an individual level. Behavior that “tears” at the organization and it’s people will not be tolerated.  (If you can’t say something nice – don’t say anything at all.)
Public presentation is an important part of how we are perceived. While in Public View:  Members will please refrain from foul language, rude behavior, smoking  or drinking alcohol while in the public eye. Please no eating while on horseback.  No smoking or  drinking while working on horseback at public events (take a break).  Judicious behavior is expected of ALL Posse personnel in a public setting.   (Smoking during social trail rides or on breaks away from the public eye  will be permitted as long as Posse members have an ashtray or field strip their cigarettes. Fire bans may institute a need for exceptions)  There will be NO DRINKING OF ALCOHOL while on horseback. There shall be no harsh discipline or mistreatment of horses. 
Annual dues are expected to be paid by January 31st of each year.  Any member whose dues have not been paid by March 31st following the due date will no longer be considered a member.
At all general meetings every member will pay $1 to the host for electric and other costs.
At all trainings every team (horse and rider) will pay $5 to the host for costs incurred
All Members of the Posse will adhere to Articles of Organization, Standard Operating Procedures, Standard Training Procedures and Posse Rules and Regulation.
Board of Directors may offer Honorary Membership status based on a review of each member that might qualify for that status.  An Honorary membership will be exempt from paying membership dues and shall not be entitled to vote.  Factors for honorary membership to be considered by the Board of Directors are:
1. Member’s contributions and service to the Posse;
2. Number of years of service
3. Age and health of member
4. Any other factors that the Board considers  appropriate to determine honorary membership.
Membership dues shall be set at  $10 per person or $15 per family.
Quorum at General Meetings will be met with at least 1 officer, at least 1 board member and at least 1 general member with total attendance at 1/3 of the general population. 
Disagreements between members will be addressed by the Board of Directors at the request of any member of the Posse (not at General Meetings,  Trainings, Events or Socials).  Members will adhere to the rulings by the Board of Directors.  Members will be careful not to speak ill of fellow Posse members.
HORSE REQUIREMENTS –
1. All horses used in the Posse shall be maintained in good physical condition with a current negative Coggins. A current negative Coggins will be kept on file by the Secretary.
2. All horses are required to go thru a certification procedure before being used, and Continuing Education Training  requirements must be maintained for each Division the horse works in.
3. Horse size, breed, characteristics etc. requirements will be set by each Division
4. Stallions are not automatically banned, but must be more thoroughly vetted to be certified to work in a public setting and be deemed safe to serve within their division. Each Stallion will be addressed on a case by case basis understanding specific restrictions may apply.  Each Division will set their own requirements.
5. All horses shall be clean, neat, trimmed and well groomed to the best appearance of each individual horse for all divisions / functions.
a. Mane and Tail:   Clean and length must correspond with the characteristic of the breed.
b. Ears:   Clean and free of debris, excess hair trimmed.
c. Bridle Path  Shall be trimmed to specific breed length. No dandruff
d. Body:   Horse’s coat shall be clean. If clipped, it should be done thoroughly with                                                                                                                                                                      no significant clipper marks. Designs must be preapproved by the Division Chief.
e. Division specifications  may be set by each division (IE: Drill might require black hoof polish.)
f. Tack:   Saddles and equipment shall be safety compliant and pass certification. Each division shall have the right to set certain specifications.  (IE: Drill might require all tack match in color and basic style such as black or brown western saddles with matching girths and bridals.)
Divisions & Levels
Mounted Patrol – this division will work special events, and occasional community patrols.  Posse and their horses must hold the highest training for this division (40 hour course recommended). Teams (horse & rider) must be well suited for dealing with the public, approachability, political correctness, and unusual sensory stimulation. Continuing Education Training (formation, sensory, obstacle, etc) must be maintained at the rate of 10 hours in every 6 month period with training divided evenly thru the different disciplines.   Uniform should be paramilitary and a helmet.
Formation / Drill – this division will work parades and do demonstrations at special events.  Special formation and parade sensory training will be required. Teams will be expected to test to work in this division. Continuing Education Training (formation / drill) must be maintained at the rate of a minimum of 10 hours every 6 months.   Uniform should be a Class A with helmet unless event requires special costume
Search and Rescue – this division will hold special training in the art of search with basic first aide incorporated. Division members must be available for rapid deployment and have their own transportation.  Posse will be expected to dress themselves and their horses according to the areas requiring search as well as the weather.  Division Director will advise as to dress when activating this Division. Continuing  Education Training in the amount of 6 hours every 6 months required.  Uniform will be Posse Cowboy.
Cattle – this division will hold special training in the art of moving cattle.  Division must  be available for rapid deployment and have their own transportation. Continuing Education Training in the amount of 6 hours every 6 months required.  Uniform will be Posse Cowboy.
Cart – this division will hold special training in the art of maneuvering  carts and horses through crowds as well as natural habitats (IE: woods)  – horses must be specifically trained and desensitized to sights and sounds they might encounter during a special event.   This division will be a major public face factor for the Posse and have the possibility of having the greatest interaction with the general public. Continuing Education Training in the amount of 6 hours every 6 months required)  Uniform should be Posse Business Casual.
Social Division – This division is comprised of members who believe in our mission statement and want to support the Posse.   This division will help with social activities such as but not limited to: trail rides, pot lucks, helping when and where they can with fund raisers or possibly acting as  “crowd”  to assist with training.  Members of this division will be requested to follow (and show proficiency in) the basic safety standards that the non-mounted division maintains.  Posse Casual  dress
Non-mounted Division – Key members who keep the Posse running.  A Basic certification required to prepare you to the level you wish to serve.   We will ask all non-mounted members to be trained in evaluating teams for exhaustion, temperature concerns, breathing etc to aide with keeping teams healthy and productive. Non-mounted members must attend a safety course prior to being allowed to assist with Mounted teams.  Annual review required.  Posse Casual  dress.
Junior Division –Under 18 support members and the future of the Posse.  If member numbers allow can establish their own Divisions, and Committees while adhering  to  general Posse Articles of Organization, SOPs and Rules and Regulations.  They may establish their own uniform code. They will have the right to host their own trainings.      

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Every Divison will have the following  levels which are described within the Standard Training Procedures:
Entry Level – every horse and rider begins at this level.  Riders may have multiple horses certified at different levels and for different divisions.
Intermediate Level –Has passed certification and   May participate in Division events during the daytime
Advanced Level – Has passed certification and May participate in Division events during both day and night.
CHAIN OF COMMAND  - For general administrative purposes Chain of Command will stand as Director,  Training Coordinator, Secretary and Treasurer.  For Training purposes chain of command will stand as Trainer, Training Coordinator, Division Head and then Director.    On site of a Division event the Division Head, Training Coordinator and then the Director.  For a Committee Event chain of command will be Committee Chair, Director and then Training Coordinator.  The Safety Officer or the Tactical Advisor can supersede at any time understanding that they serve in an advisory capacity but responsibility falls back to head of chain of command.
STANDING COMMITTEES -  Chairs are filled thru volunteering with  appointment approval by the Director.
1. Social
2. Public Relations / Parade
3. Historical / Photography
4. Fund Raising / Horse  & speed shows
5. Screening
6. Web Master
Safety Officer and Tactical Advisor Can Be the same person.
UNIFORMS  - all uniform colors will be set by divisions
Paramilitary – non-jean or dress style pants,  collared shirt short or long sleeve (depending on weather),  white under shirt, brass and patches,  belt and boots,  helmet. Sunglasses  Reflective Vest
Class A- Dress style pants, belt, boots, white undershirt,  Dress shirt & Tie,  Cowboy hat or helmet depending on event,  Sunglasses
Posse Cowboy – Boots, jeans, belt, posse western shirt, cowboy hat,  kerchief, gloves, Western slicker, sunglasses
Posse Business Casual – Dress jeans, belt and boots, Western Posse Shirt (sleeve length depends on weather) with white undershirt,  cowboy hat, sunglasses
Posse Casual – Boots, belt, jeans, polo or western shirt with white undershirt. Cowboy hat or  posse ball cap.
Posse Training – Posse t-shirt, jeans, boots, belt, gloves, kerchief  - choice of headgear.
Junior Posse – Helmet required at all times. Other uniform shall be established similar to Posse Uniforms with minor changes under their SOPs.
Jacket – The Posse Jacket is considered appropriate for all uniforms.
APPEARANCE – Members of the posse are expected to shower within 24 hours prior to events, present themselves as  clean and well groomed at all times. Hair, sideburns and facial hair shall be neatly trimmed and  groomed. Hair which hangs below the collar will be tied back.  Each division has the right to further govern appearance of their members (IE: Drill team may require those with long hair to braid their hair) Jewelry shall be limited and unobtrusive keeping safety in mind (IE: earrings should be no larger than a stud and rings should be limited to commitment rings.) Tattoos should be coverable.  Colognes or perfumes should not be over powering and used with discretion.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS -  Electronic communications will be the primary form of contact for non-emergent (general) communication.  The Director, Training Coordinator, Secretary, Treasurer and Web Master shall have access to and passwords for all Electronic Communications to include but not limited to: Email, Web site, Facebook and Google Calendar.   Division and Committee heads should send out information  thru one of the above listed members.  Information about trainings and meetings (time and location, special requirements) should be listed on the Sumter County Mounted Reserve Unit Calendar 5 days prior to regular event.   Members without access to Electronic Communication are expected to contact their Division Head prior to expected events for details and changes. 
For EMERGENT CALL OUT and unexpected calendar changes – Division Heads will have phone trees set up.
Standard Operating Procedures can be amended by popular vote of two thirds (2/3) of the membership.  Membership must be advised at least 28 days prior to vote being conducted.
All Officers, Division Heads, and Committee Chairs can be temporarily relieved of duty by a No-confidence vote by two thirds of the event Posse attendees.  (IE: Person in charge appears to have a medical condition affecting their behavior and they appear unaware.) The behavior which caused the no-confidence vote will come under review by the Board of Directors within 7 days.
Standard Operating Procedures should be reviewed every 2 years by the incoming Board, and put up for approval before the general membership in the January meeting.
Approved by General membership on March 13,  2013