The Search and Rescue Division is charged with providing services for lost or missing persons. The division's membership includes staff solely dedicated to search and rescue as well as Field Operations Division staff cross-trained in search and rescue disciplines. The division is commanded by a Lieutenant and consists of the following services:
K-9 Operations
K-9 Operations Team members have responsibilities in cases involving land/water cadaver, disaster, area searches, and trailing (those not involving a criminal suspect). The team is supervised by a Sergeant and is comprised of both K-9 Handlers and Searchers who provide support to the team. All Operational K9s must pass an annual/semi-annual certification with a nationally-recognized certifying organization that meets industry standards.
K-9 Operations
K-9 Operations Team members have responsibilities in cases involving land/water cadaver, disaster, area searches, and trailing (those not involving a criminal suspect). The team is supervised by a Sergeant and is comprised of both K-9 Handlers and Searchers who provide support to the team. All Operational K9s must pass an annual/semi-annual certification with a nationally-recognized certifying organization that meets industry standards.
Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR)
The GSAR Team is supervised by a Sergeant and executes responsibilities for conducting inland search and rescue missions as well as above-water recovery missions. Team members are certified by the Illinois Search and Rescue Council after completing a basic wilderness search and rescue course.
The GSAR Team is supervised by a Sergeant and executes responsibilities for conducting inland search and rescue missions as well as above-water recovery missions. Team members are certified by the Illinois Search and Rescue Council after completing a basic wilderness search and rescue course.
Search Management
The Search and Rescue Division has seven certified search managers specifically trained in managing the response and planning aspects of an inland missing person search.
Technical Search Planning
Technical search planning involves applying behavioral and probabilistic (Bayesian) concepts to define search areas, assign appropriately skilled assets or teams, and drive search prioritization in searches lasting longer than an initial operational period. The Search and Rescue Division has four certified technical search planners.
The Search and Rescue Division has seven certified search managers specifically trained in managing the response and planning aspects of an inland missing person search.
Technical Search Planning
Technical search planning involves applying behavioral and probabilistic (Bayesian) concepts to define search areas, assign appropriately skilled assets or teams, and drive search prioritization in searches lasting longer than an initial operational period. The Search and Rescue Division has four certified technical search planners.
