KCSARA Exams
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Search Techniques
Meets v80 standard for the written portion of Search Techniques.
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Three elements of “Critical Separation” are:
The sensor, the object, and the environment.
The searchers, the humidity, and the temperature.
The distance, the searchers, and the ground cover.
A very thorough search, with team members shoulder to shoulder on hands and knees, clearing brush down to bare earth and looking for small evidence items.
Type 1 search
Type 2 search
Type 3 search
Type 4 search
The elements of a “Sound Sweep Search” include:
Low frequency sounds, inline with drainages, coordinated by command, followed by at least 5 seconds of silent listening.
A sustained variety of sounds, coordinated by command, from stationary ridge top locations, every 15 to 20 minutes, followed by at least 5 minutes of listening.
A critical separation based on noise rather than sight, with loud sounds coordinated by command every 1 to 2 minutes (or 50 to 200 feet of travel), followed by at least 5 seconds of silent listening.
Active search methods include:
Attraction using light , sound, or signage, to draw the subject of a search to you.
Open grid, closed grid, immediate search, canine search, and so on…
A point on the search map where the planner or IC indicates the start of the search
LKP
POA
POD
PLS
IPP
Four (4) reasons why searchers look for clues rather than just the missing subject include:
Clues can indicate the distance from the missing subject, limiting the search area; clues can be easily identified as belonging to the missing subject; clues are easier to find against the natural background; and clues can adjust the POA equation, prioritizing the search effort.
There are more clues than subjects in the search area; clues can move the LKP forward in time, limiting the search area; clues can provide direction of travel, also limiting the search area; and clues can adjust the POA equation, prioritizing the search effort.
There are more clues than subjects in the search area; clues can indicate the distance from the missing subject, limiting the search area; clues can be easily identified as belonging to the missing subject; and we don't want to leave clues behind after rescuing the missing subject.
What to do when a clue is located (check all that apply):
Maintain a high index of suspicion that something is clue
Protect a suspected clue from yourself and others (don't touch)
Document the location and nature of the clue, and what you did
Report your find to your supervisor as soon as possible.
The most recent place a search subject is known to have been, based on incontrovertible evidence. For example, the last place a known set of the search subject's tracks were followed to, or the search subject's abandoned vehicle.
LKP
POA
POD
PLS
IPP
Disadvantages to searching at night include a higher risk to searchers, and to the subject; overlooking, or accidentally destroying vital clues; increased apprehension in the subject and searchers; and increased control problems for searchers.
True
False
The searcher's forced concentration on the small illuminated field of a flashlight; the nighttime environmental effects on footprints and tracks; the effects of cool nighttime temperature, on travel for both people and animals; and the effect of a quieter environment on searcher and subject hearing; all constitute an advantage to searching at night.
True
False
A thorough search method but not very efficient. It requires a large number of people to cover a relatively small area with a high probability of detection.
Type 1 search
Type 2 search
Type 3 search
Type 4 search
An organized, yet rapid, search of a large area. Small teams of three persons are assigned an area. One-person guides on a physical feature such as a trail, creek, road or ridge top or are assigned a compass bearing to follow. The other two-team members guide off that person and search an area to either side, roaming through the brush following the path of least resistance, checking likely spots. The separation of searchers will fluctuate depending on the visibility.
Type 1 search
Type 2 search
Type 3 search
Type 4 search
Search methods not defined as “active” are called:
Tractable
Passive
Mobile
Informal
The location of a confirmed visual sighting.
LKP
POA
POD
PLS
IPP
The probability of finding clues (assuming that clues exist), given the nature of the search and the type of resources employed; expressed as a percentage (e.g. 50% ) or decimal number (e.g. .50 ).
LKP
POA
POD
PLS
IPP
A quick and efficient search by small teams that travel quickly to the likely spots and by the route of least resistance. Commonly called a “hasty search”, or more infrequently an “Immediate Search”.
Type 1 search
Type 2 search
Type 3 search
Type 4 search
The likelihood, or probability, that the subject is within a specific segment; expressed as a percentage (e.g. 50% ) or decimal number (e.g. .50 ).
LKP
POA
POD
PLS
IPP
Searches – distinct from rescues – are primarily driven by the Command Post. Individual search teams are the eyes and ears of the search, but cannot see the entire effort, or the strategic priorities.
True
False
Finish