JCSDA Dispatch Procedures

There is no cost for our services to the requesting agency or the victim's family. JCSDA is 100% volunteer.

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JCSDA will look for lost or missing persons. JCSDA can assist in searches for deceased persons, drowning persons, victims of collapsed structures, and article searches. Since JCSDA handlers and canines are not law enforcement trained, they will not respond to a search for a felony suspect or for an individual known to be armed and dangerous. JCSDA does not search for bombs or drugs. If you have a question on a particular need, feel free to call.

 

It is important that search dogs are notified early. Search dogs can be utilized well as a hasty response because they can often cover more area than many ground searchers. JCSDA often searches in the middle of the night, when scenting conditions are optimal for dogs, and when the subject may be stationary. JCSDA does not mind being turned around en-route.

 

If JCSDA knows of dog teams closer to you, who are not members of JCSDA, we will advise you. JCSDA can be used as an additional resource or for a second operational period. The goal is to get the quickest response to the person in need.

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JCSDA is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact one of the dispatch phone numbers listed above. Provide information relating to the type of search, location and a contact phone number. Additional information may be requested. A member of JCSDA will return the call as soon as possible.

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Preparing For Dog Teams To Arrive

JCSDA will set up communications on the frequency Incident Command has already established, use the local amateur radio repeater or, if requested, any VHF or UHF frequency.

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JCSDA members carry cell phones and/or pagers for turnaround notification en-route to a search.

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JCSDA has provided a lost person printable questionnaire here or use the online form with a computer. Answer as many items as possible and make photo copies for each dog team and ground searcher. It will be helpful and speed up the briefing process.

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JCSDA handlers would like to have one support person with communications per dog team if possible.

(1 Handler + 1 Dog = 1 Dog Team)

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If possible, collect scent articles belonging to the missing person. Acquire clothing without contamination wrap in a newspaper or place in a plastic bag. Use something that has a lot of scent - dirty socks, a ball cap, dirty t-shirt, a pillow case, etc. are ideal. Articles should not be collected from the family laundry, because of contamination. It is very important that no one touches the scent article. Use rubber gloves or turn a plastic bag inside out, grab the scent article and pull it back into the bag.

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JCSDA handlers carry a number of maps for Kentucky and Indiana, but may not have a map of the specific area. A map, or aerial photo would be useful. Photo copies can be made for each team.

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Set up a search base away from the Place Last Seen, keeping it as isolated as possible.

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JCSDA dogs are trained to be transported in many different vehicle types including helicopters, ATVs, gators, etc. If transportation to the search scene is prearranged this may get teams to the search scene faster.

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Handlers will respond with the appropriate equipment for the environment, including foul weather gear, first aid kits, radios and search packs. They will be self-sustained for 24 hours.

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