Sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement Unit helps patrol beaches during pandemic

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif.

Ventura County has miles of beaches and plenty of officers on patrol, including members of the Sheriff's Mounted Enforcement Unit.

Deputies on horseback have been patrolling Hollywood Beach near the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard.

They speak to people curious about their horses, and others in need of physical distancing reminders to prevent COVID19.

The Sheriff's Posse's Mike Lambert said the MEU is similar to the Sheriff's Posse that got its start patrolling beaches during WWII. He has been a member of the posse for 23 years and said the posse is made up of volunteers.

Deputies used other beach vehicles, too.

They speak to people on a case-by-case basis.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department shared videos on Twitter of police officers from Oxnard and Ventura sending messages to beachgoers.

Officers want people to keep moving rather than gathering on the sand.

They don't want people to catch COVID19 at the beach.