EVIDENCE RULES

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I have frequently used the term "subject" to refer to the target of searches.  Most novices assume this to mean a missing person, and sometimes that is true.  MOST SEARCHES, HOWEVER, ARE FOR CLUES AND EVIDENCE RATHER THAN LOST PERSONS.  Thus, a subject more often than not is an object such as a footprint, discarded clothing or personal items, or environmental disturbances.  Overlooking evidence while focusing on finding a person often prolongs the search, and in so doing reduces the chances of finding a missing person.  Worse, failure to note clues and environmental conditions may put the searcher in jeopardy of injury or becoming lost.  You can well imaging the annoyance of search managers when they must divert time and resources to finding lost searchers!

Additionally, many searches ultimately become criminal or accident investigations, so that preservation and custody of evidence becomes a legal issue.  Well-meaning searchers have often found important clues that courts later discount or reject because of improper handling and identification.

It is imperative to work slowly enough to allow detailed notes and drawings, proper tagging and identification, and preservation of perishable evidence (e.g., draw or photograph a footprint in snow before it melts or someone else walks over it).

Types of Evidence

• physical - usually preferable; seal, secure, label

• incorporeal - often non-durable or invisible; note

Types of Records

• written notes 

• sketches (includes map annotations)

• photographs/video

• corroborating witnesses

• preserved samples

Evidence Label Requirements

• name and contact information of collector(s)

• date and time of collection

• location (use UTM coordinates and UMS sectors)

• setting description (weather, vegetation, soil)

• quantities (if multiple occurrence of items)

• measurements (size, intensity, rates, etc.)

• types and locations of pertinent records

• chain of custody

Participation Record

• check-in

• date & time of availability status changes

• resource use or consumption

• check-out