Search Dogs South

Scene Investigation

Guidelines For Law Enforcement Agencies

• CALL AT ONCE, not as a last resort.
  Time is of the utmost importance.(i.e.,Suspect last seen on foot, eastbound, no vehicle seen, or child playing in front yard and now cannot be found). THIS IS THE TIME TO START A TRAILING UNIT. The unit can always be canceled, even en route, if subject is found.
• TAKE CHARGE OF THE SCENE
  First officer on location, or rank, in accordance to department policy. If criminal, close off the escape route and keep roving patrols in a radius in accordance to the time element. A person has less chance to run any distance if they have to hide.
• PROTECT THE SCENE AND EVIDENCE
  Do not let officers, or onlookers, wait, or stand, near the scene and contaminate the area with scent, or destroy footprints, or evidence possibly dropped by the subject. Do not touch or handle any item the subject wore or handled.  Do not let any vehicle come straight to the scene. Turn off all vehicles in the area. Exhaust fumes make the dogs job more difficult.
• INFORMATION FOR SEARCH TEAM
  Have all known information ready for the handler and dog. (i.e., Foot-wear, clothing description, physical description of subject, point last seen, weapon, if any).
• VEHICLE INVOLVEMENT
  If a vehicle is involved do not remove it from the scene until after K-9 Unit has arrived and cleared the removal of vehicle. If engine running, reach in (DO NOT get in vehicle) turn ignition off and remove the key. Close door and keep everyone away from vehicle.
• SEARCH ASSISTANCE
  Have an officer who is familiar with the area available to assist the handler. The back-up officer should not try to influence the handler. The search needs to be conducted with as little distraction as possible as the handler needs to concentrate so as not to misread the dog’s behavior.
• K-9 IDENTIFICATION
  If the person or suspect is located by others while the dog is still trailing, hold them until the dog can identify. (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.)

Scent Evidence – Why It Is Important To A Search

In the event a trailing dog is called for there are a few simple procedures to follow that will help make the search more successful. As scent material is key to any search, following these procedures at the scene can make the K9s job easier and contribute to a faster and more positive search. See Scent Evidence Collection for more information on the proper procedure for collecting scent evidence.