Canine Search Specialist Certification Evaluation

1
Canine Search Specialist Certification Evaluation

• Certification Evaluation Orientation

2
Welcome

• Why are we here?
• We are all here because
• we are not all there!

3
Introductions IC

• Hosting Task Force members
• Chief Evaluator

4
Introductions Chief Evaluator

• Evaluators
• Shadows
• Handlers

5
Primary Objectives

• To conduct the evaluation safely
• To certify and re-certify qualified teams

6
Secondary Objectives

• To provide feedback to Handlers and Task Forces
• To provide an opportunity for networking
• To provide an opportunity for peer review

7
Paperwork

• Score sheets
• Cover sheets

8
Briefing

• Emergency contact numbers
• Weather Prediction
• Communications
• Media - PIO
• Transportation/Staging
• Safety Plan

9
Briefing (continued)

• IAP
• Required paperwork (releases, etc)
• Medical Services (human canine)
• K9 exercise area
• Additional information/Questions

10
Schedule

• Breakfast plan
• Start time
• Rotation schedule
• Lunch plan
• Time/Place fordebrief

11
Terms

• Abuse - Physical or psychological maltreatment of
  the canine
• Aggression - An attempted or actual unprovoked
  attack on another canine or person
• Canine Care Safety - Includes appropriate vet
  check, hydration, stripping of vest and collar
  while searching. No abuse of any kind.

12
Terms (continued)

• Control of Canine - While remaining in the
  specified search area (according to the site
  parameters), the handler is able to recall and/or
  halt the canine if the canine enters
  pre-determined, site-specific unsafe areas.
• False Alert - Any area incorrectly identified by
  the handler as a live victim

13
Terms (continued)

• PPE - Helmet, gloves, long pants/long sleeves,
  safety toe/steel shank boots. Handler must also
  have eye protection and knee pads.
• Repetitive Barking - Three (3) barks at the same
  victim that may be interspersed with digging,
  scratching or any other attempt to get to the
  victim. Canine may reposition itself while
  alerting at the victim location.

14
Site Criteria Full Access

• Site is completely accessible to handler and
  canine.

15
Site Objectives Full Access

• The objective of the full access pile is to test
  how the handler and canine work as a team when
  the opportunity to work in close proximity is
  offered and the canine can be in the handlers
  view at all times.

16
Site Criteria Limited Access

• The handler will remain at the starting point.
  Upon an alert, handler may access rubble to mark
  it. The handler must stay within a 5 ft radius
  of this mark or return to start while canine
  continues to search.

17
Site Objectives Limited Access

• The objective of the limited access pile is to
  test the canines ability to search and alert
  independently of the handler. To accomplish
  this, the location of the victim will be chosen
  so that when the dog alerts, the dog and handler
  cannot see each other.

18
Required Skills

• No violation of ground rules
• No false alerts
• No more than one missed victim
• At least one victim must be found with handler at
  starting point on Ltd Access pile
• 4 to 6 victims total on test
• Team locates victims on each site within 20
  minute search period

19
Required Skills (continued)

• Canine indicates with at least 3 barks
• Handler identifies area of canines indication

20
Additional Skills

• Site Assessment/Initial search plan
• Flagging/marking indication location
• Search/victim markings
• Site sketch/map
• Debrief/recommendations

21
Site Assessment/Search Plan

• Based on the scenario given at this briefing
• During the 5 minutes, handler will introduce
  himself, brief the STM as to how his canine
  operates, determine his access, safe areas,
  hazards and give search strategy

22
Flagging/Marking

• Handler must mark where canine indicated live
  human scent
• May mark high and low if indication is not in a
  visible place
• A flag laid is a flag played, there are no
  take-backs

23
Search Markings

• Upon entry with TF ID, time date
• Upon exit with date, time, hazards and victims
• Incomplete search

24
Victim Markings

• Indicates potential victim location, arrow may
  be used to pinpoint location, add distance on
  arrow
• Circle around V indicates confirmed live
  victim. If more than one, mark number under V

25
Victim Markings (continued)

• Line through V indicates confirmed deceased
  victim. If more than one, victim, mark total
  number under V
• Cross out marking when victim is removed

26
Mapping - Full Access

• Name / TF / date / time
• Alerts and means to identify them (i.e., distance
  form perimeter, compass reading, GPS coordinates)
• Wind direction
• Basic shape split into quadrants

27
Mapping - Full Access (continued)

• Areas of interest and/or not covered
• Hazards
• Search / Victim markings
• Prominent features / landmarks
• Compass orientation (North arrow)

28
Debrief

• Explain map
• Give follow-up recommendations outside of search
  time to include additional resources (i.e.,
  canine, tech search) and prioritize search areas

29
Updates

• System Updates
• Evaluation Updates

30
USR Code of Conduct

• No transportation/use of illegal drugs / alcohol
• No firearms allowed
• Normal radio protocol used and kept to a minimum
• Know your chain of command / who you report to
• Limit procurement of equipment
• Do not take things without authorization

31
USR Code of Conduct (continued)

• Act professionally
• Remain ready even when unassigned
• Recreation limited to unassigned hours
• Maintain/wear safety gear/clothing
• Wear proper uniform
• Your actions reflect your organization and
  DHS/FEMA

32
Questions?
33
Safety Briefing/Scenario

• As given by IC

34
Evaluator Meeting

• Chief Evaluator, Shadow Evaluator Mentor,
  Evaluators

35
Good Luck!