About the Horse Patrol

Operational Flexibility

National law enforcement studies reveal that a single mounted officer may be as effective as ten to fifteen officers on foot. The USMRTC prepares you to provide a cost effective method of enhancing the efficiency of law enforcement, security and search operations when combined with traditional foot, canine and motorized services. Our graduates routinely work alongside search and rescue units, public law enforcement and private security personnel.

The tremendous flexibility of a mounted unit offers incident commanders and event organizers capabilities including rapid response over changing terrain, superior visibility and efficient situation management.

Training

Whether human or equine, all graduates are required to meet strict qualification criteria. Ongoing training opportunities for our graduates ensure continued top quality service to their communities. Instructors serving with the center include those with experience in law enforcement, emergency medical services, tactical operations, wilderness rescue, human tracking, animal tracking, public relations, wilderness survival and education.

Mounts are selected for their personality, physical ability and aptitude, then trained in crowd management, search operations, traffic management and law enforcement operations. Mounts undergo extensive preparation for work in and around large crowds, congested traffic, aircraft, canine units and wildlife. Few people realize that a horse's nose is more sensitive than a dog's. Two of our resident mounts are in continued air-scent training as trackers; one has successfully identified and captured drug dealers, and another has been named a Horse Hero.