Pettler’s Mounted Forensic Operations System (MFOS)

Professional Mounted Unit Development, Training & Certification

One System. Two Partners. One Standard.

Building a professional mounted unit requires more than experienced riders and well-trained horses. It requires a clearly defined mission, organizational structure, standardized training, measurable performance benchmarks, and the ability to operate safely and effectively in complex environments. Pettler’s Mounted Forensic Operations System (MFOS) is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary training and operational development system available for purchase by organizations seeking to establish a new mounted unit or restructure an existing one. Developed by forensic criminologist Dr. Laura Pettler, MFOS provides a structured framework for building civilian mounted units capable of supporting search, recovery, forensic field operations, and coordinated missions alongside law enforcement and emergency services.

Rather than requiring organizations to develop their own training programs, operational procedures, and certification standards from the ground up, MFOS provides an established foundation that can be adapted to the unit's mission, operational environment, personnel, and organizational objectives. The system integrates human and equine development into one unified training model, combining online education, in-person instruction, practical exercises, and competency-based performance assessments. MFOS is designed to help organizations build professional mounted teams with the knowledge, skills, operational discipline, and evidence awareness necessary to perform reliably in the field.

Build Your Mounted Forensic Operations Unit

MFOS provides organizations with a comprehensive framework for developing a mounted unit from initial planning through training, qualification, and operational preparation.

Whether establishing a new civilian mounted organization or expanding the capabilities of an existing equestrian team, the system offers a structured approach to unit development.

Unit Development & Implementation

A structured foundation for building your mounted operations program.

  • Mission development and operational scope

  • Organizational structure, leadership, and unit responsibilities

  • Standard operating procedures and operational protocols

  • Horse and rider suitability assessments

  • Training curriculum and competency benchmarks

  • Equipment, safety, and deployment preparation

  • Performance evaluations and certification pathways

MFOS is designed for civilian mounted organizations seeking to develop specialized operational capabilities while maintaining clearly defined roles, professional accountability, and coordination with the agencies they may be called upon to support.

Each implementation can be tailored to the organization's geographic location, terrain, climate, available resources, and intended mission.

Four Foundational Pillars

The Mounted Forensic Operations System is built upon four foundational pillars that guide the development of both horse and rider.

  • Safety: Establishing the knowledge, procedures, and practical skills necessary to reduce risk to personnel, horses, other responders, and the public.

  • Equitation: Developing the foundational horsemanship, mounted control, communication, and partnership necessary for reliable performance in operational environments.

  • Performance: Evaluating the ability of horse-and-rider teams to apply their training under pressure, navigate environmental challenges, and complete assigned tasks safely and consistently.

  • Evidence: Developing forensic awareness of physical and behavioral evidence, evidence recognition, scene preservation, and documentation practices to support the integrity of investigative and recovery operations.

The MFOS Hybrid Training Model

MFOS recognizes that operational readiness depends on the capabilities of both the human and the horse. Neither can be developed independently of the other. The system incorporates a hybrid educational model that combines online instruction, in-person training, scenario-based exercises, and practical field application. Human training emphasizes knowledge, comprehension, decision-making, leadership, communication, forensic awareness, and operational discipline. Horse training focuses on foundational handling, responsiveness, environmental exposure, obstacle navigation, search formations, and reliable performance in dynamic conditions. Using Bloom's Taxonomy as its educational framework, MFOS guides participants through progressive levels of learning, from foundational knowledge to practical application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The objective is to develop mounted teams that can apply their training consistently and make informed decisions under operational pressure.

Professional Training & Certification

MFOS incorporates a progressive, competency-based training and certification framework designed to establish measurable standards for individual participants and mounted teams.

The Certified Mounted Forensic Specialist (CMFS) designation recognizes demonstrated proficiency in the foundational knowledge and practical competencies required for mounted forensic operations. Training and assessment encompass horsemanship, operational safety, mounted search techniques, evidence awareness, scene preservation, and the application of learned skills in controlled operational scenarios. Horse-and-rider teams are evaluated through practical exercises and performance assessments to establish their readiness for designated operational tasks. Certification is based on demonstrated competency, not participation alone. MFOS training and certification do not confer law enforcement authority or replace agency-specific qualifications, operational authorization, or specialized search and rescue certifications.

Developed Through Practical Application

The original version of Pettler's system was developed and implemented in 2025 through Dr. Pettler's work with the Lancaster County Coroner's Office Mounted Response Unit.

The initial program combined online education, in-person training, structured aptitude testing, and practical performance assessments. By November 2025, six horse-and-rider teams had successfully completed the original awareness-level mounted search and rescue certification program.

Building upon the experience gained during that implementation, Dr. Pettler developed the next generation of her methodology: Pettler's Mounted Forensic Operations System.

MFOS is an independently developed professional training and operational framework available to civilian organizations seeking to establish or advance their mounted capabilities.

Learn more about the educational foundation of Pettler's Methods at LPAIFI.com 

Bring MFOS to Your Organization

Build Your Unit. Establish Your Standards. Prepare for the Mission.

Pettler's Mounted Forensic Operations System is available for purchase and implementation by organizations seeking to establish a new mounted unit or develop an existing program. Laura Pettler & Associates works with organizations to identify their operational objectives, determine their training and development needs, and establish an appropriate implementation plan. MFOS offers a structured pathway from initial unit development through education, practical training, performance evaluation, and operational preparation.

For information about purchasing MFOS, program implementation, training options, and certification opportunities, contact Laura Pettler & Associates.

Program Instructors: Dr. Laura Pettler, Sgt. Chris Herman, and Major Grant Durham, along with honorary NASAR SARTECH II Instructors.