Since 90% of missing person searches are resolved within 24 hours, the initial response phase is crucial to search success. By taking a class on Search Management, those who are first on scene can start the process properly.
First on scene are often law enforcement officers, park rangers, EMTs, first responders, firefighters, and rescue squad volunteers, or anyone who will receive first notice and need to plan for the initial phase of a search for a missing person.
A course will cover standard response protocols, which include determining urgency, subject profiling, investigating the point last seen, setting up Incident Command,
prioritizing scenarios, determining search areas, techniques for confinement, hasty
searching, passive attraction, and grid searching. It should also incorporate the use of special resources such as search dogs, trackers, air resources, and state, and national assistance.
While a class will emphasize planning, it is helpful to have outdoor practical skills included
as part of the syllabus.
One such class we can recommend is through MN North College in Ely, MN, which is taught by Sharolyn Sievert and offered every spring semester. In 2025, the class is scheduled for May 2-4.
Here is a link with information on registering for the class, as well as a contact for questions:
Chris Hegenbarth, Phone 218-235-2164, Email chris.hegenbarth@minnesotanorth.edu
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