Search
In Step 1, locations were quickly checked. Now it is important to search areas in a structured and accurate(er) manner. The tips below will help you conduct a structured search. Make sure that records are kept of where searches have already been conducted to exclude areas (for now).
1. Determine locations
On this map you can highlight the areas to be searched and keep track of where already searched.
- Try to put yourself in the missing person’s shoes and from this thought, think again about what the missing person intended to do. It may also help to go to the last known location(s) and figure out from there where the person may have gone.
- Based on new information or ideas, determine possible areas where the missing person may be or may have been.
- Where might the missing person be based on his or her interests and habitual patterns? Think (work) schedules, agendas, hobbies or habits.
- Link interests and routines to possible find locations. For example, was the person hiking? Then look at hiking trails. Does the person like playing soccer? Then look at soccer fields.
Click
here
for these tips.
Include new information in the search plan. Do not simply respond to reports or tips from others. Assess these first for reliability. Focus on certainties and not uncertainties.
Now search the areas more extensively and in a more structured manner and record this in the logbook.
Make a record of this so that you eventually have a list of the possible locations where the person may be or may have been. You can add to these with new possible find locations and check off (provisionally) if the location has been searched.
2. Divide search areas
Do not make these search boxes too large. Let the size of search areas depend on the area being searched. This improves accuracy.
For example, was the missing person playing soccer on a nearby soccer field? Then select the search box, or search boxes, in which the soccer field is located.
This search group will search this box and report back to the coordinator when this box has been searched. Then this group can search again in another search box.
So don’t just search the location where you think the person might be. Search the entire search box the location is in. This way you also search in the nearby area and it is clear where you have searched. As a result, areas may be excluded (for now).
In this way, you ensure that places with the highest probability that the missing person is there or has been there are searched first.
A search group notifies the coordinator when a search box has been searched. Record this in the logbook and color the spots searched on the map with a (marker) pen. In this way, a structured search can be conducted in a (large) search area.
Have someone else walk out the tips and not those assigned an assigned area.
Stick to the task at hand. There is a chance that others will walk through their area before walking out for the tips they obtained.
3. Search carefully
You may come across tracks. Do you find a trace? Please let the coordinator know immediately. Be sure not to leave new tracks and act carefully when you find one. Read
here
the tips on dealing with spores.
These could include traces of a car near a ditch, footprints in the woods or kicked-in grass. More tips on recognizing spores can be found
here
.
The search can sometimes take a very long time. Don’t underestimate this.
Here’s how to avoid unintentionally leaving marks or getting distracted.
Be sure to wear an appropriate outfit. Remember good shoes and rain gear. If necessary, bring a stick with which to look into forestation.
Be respectful of other people’s property and ask permission to search on someone else’s property first.
For example, bring a power bank to charge your phone in between trips.
Be aware
This will avoid damaging a possible investigative investigation.
Stand on the same line, extend both arms to determine the distance between the searchers and walk simultaneously through the area on a line.