Soorrry . .. . thanks for correcting my poor typing etiquette on my last post. (I never yell - not that type of gal)

Hi Lynn - Thank you so much for your recommendations! I totally agree with you, but our Team operating procedures say the Authority having Juristician on scene (the good ole' ICS system), unless it precipitates unsafe tactics resulting in almost certain injury to handler or K-9, has the say, bottom line. We have since discussed this in length the the AHJ and were able to come to agreement for a future plan of action in a similar scenario.
This family was extremly dedicated and persistent no matter what was suggested by the AHJ or our Dog Team Coordinator. The victim's bodies were recoverd this spring on the melting ice shelves, one by the family, not far from the dog's indications, even with the undertow of current on the lake. I'm happy for the family that they now have closure.
I certainly have filed this learning experience in my memory and will make a stronger effort next time if the same situation presents itself, to better explain to the family that you can't fool a K-9 and such grief can hinder search efforts as it poses a distraction that is impossible to proof a dog for, even a dog with extreme drives to do his job. Guess it's the only down side I can think of having a highly social and extensively socialized K-9.
I would love to talk to you about your resource list and experiences too! It never ceases to amaze me that the more you learn, you realize there is so MUCH more to learn, eh?
Thanks for your consideration and response!

Wendy, I'm on the team with Lynn. Weather we work with the State police, FBI, whoever, our team, specifically the dog handler has the last word on who goes or not. Both the state Police and the Feds have been very good about this because of the reputation of our team. Another advantage is most on the team are very familiar with boats.
Lynn, have ya been called yet about paying for the carpeting in that boat when Ali tried to dig and bite thru the bottom of it Tues night? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Her water indication is really getting strong. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Our demo was just down the road from our last find. There were plenty of questions.
I was told that the recovery was in 47 feet of water about 30 feet from the marker we put in.
My guess that night was 40 feet of water and 20 feet from the alert. Not to bad I guess.

It is always best to try and make sure you know who is kin and who are close friends of the family even on land searches. Every search I have been on (100's) the story is always hinkie once you get out there. By this I mean that sometimes the family could be involved in the missing person's disapearance. This is also a good reason to leave them behind, or if they go with you and it is possible... don't say anything about what you know.

Hi Bob and Lynn - wow, you've been on 100's of searches??? Where are you guys located, and Team name? . . . You've been doing this for YEARS I take it then! I'm still a newbie in that light, been doing this for 2 1/2 years, have been on 32 searches + alot where we were on our way and then called-off, subject was found, etc. What do you use for certification standards? Is your team a NASAR, NASDN, CARDA, etc. team? (It's okay to ask these questions, isn't it?)

I've been on the team seriously for about I 1/2 yrs since I lost my job and could put in the dedication it deserves. Lynn has been doing SAR for probably 8-10 yrs. I've been her primary ground pounder for most of the time. We're with Missouri Region C Technical Rescue Team K9 division http:www.sardogz.com
So Far this year, we've been averaging about one call a week. ALL of our work is by LE request only. Most is with the Missouri HP and the FBI.

Yes indeed, you certainly have geat experience on your team - I'm very impressed <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> . Yes, I wish I had started this about 20 yrs. ago (I am dating myself here - opps!) But glad I have the opportunity to do it in my *prime* <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

We too are only called out by LE, we do not respond to individual requests, only through LE, although there are a few independant *ambulance chasers* individuals, not affliated with any teams or certified, etc., in our neck of the woods that just show up on site at times to the annoyance of local LE. - and please excuse if that sounded Tacky, not my intention!

I look forward to more of your posts and picking your brains . . . <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Yup, 100's.
I have been active in SAR for 10 yrs.
According to our by-laws we can't go into detail about our standards, but I believe that they are some of the best in the State. I have been on 5 seperate teams, and I believe that this one is the best. We are based out of St. Louis, MO.

Congratulations on the being so active. What puzzles me however is: why in the world would bylaws be against publishing standards? In drug and explosives detection we promote our standards. We want to be very upfront on the exacting standards we train to achieve.

DFrost

I don't know.
I know that police, or official agency using us can review them.
I think that the founding member that wrote them wanted to keep every thing private from all civilian teams.

good question though, I'll have to ask.