Lowland Search Controller
Designed for members of ALSAR teams and anyone involved with the controlling of lowland vulnerable missing person search. This course is aimed at participants who already have knowledge and experience of search at a Team Leader level. At the end of the course, participants will be equipped to develop themselves to control a lowland search for an initial operational period, i.e. the first six to eight hours, or to assist a Search Manager throughout a longer search.
This is an intensive and practical 16 hour course starting on the Friday evening and finishing around 1600 on the Sunday afternoon. The course is designed around the ALSAR syllabus and includes:
- Aims & Objectives of a Search
- Search Resources
- Callout Methods & Procedures
- Scenario Based Planning
- Misper Behaviour
- Map work & Segment Prioritisation
- Search Management Paperwork
- Leadership & Incident Command
- SAR Pre-planning
The course is assessed. Following the course all participants are expected to complete an assignment. Only on successful completion of this element will participants be certificated. This certificate lasts three years.
The course is largely scenario based, and is delivered by experienced Search Managers in accordance with the ALSAR Training policy. We are always delighted to welcome new trainers and assessors: please contact us.
Search Controllers Seminar (Assessment)
The seminar runs alongside the course, and offers an opportunity for candidates who previously attended the course to complete their assessment. This can be done by making presentations for the reviews of searches rather than submitting written work. Assistance will be given with this process.
The seminar should also be considered by those who wish to take part in “continuing professional development” with regards to their Search Controlling skills. This is highly recommended. If there is sufficient demand additional sessions can be arranged. Suggestions include an input from a mental health professional, and from a POLSA perhaps on “Winthropping”, which is a counter terrorist search technique which may assist with evidential searches.
It is important that those who have attended the training course complete the assessment prior to controlling searches. When we present ourselves as Search Controllers, we assume a considerable responsibility. Nobody will expect miracles, but all stakeholders have a right to demand professionalism, and to question our actions if things go less than well. These stakeholders include the Missing Person, their families, the Police, the search teams and the Coroner. If we are called to account for our actions as Search Controllers, it is preferable to be able to say that we are trained and have been assessed by our peers, than to say we just thought we would give it a go!