MASSACHUSETTS
CANINE RESPONSE TEAM, INC.
SEARCH
and RESCUE DOG/HANDLER
MEMBERSHIP and WILDERNESS
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATION GUIDELINES and REQUIREMENTS
As amended October 26, 2000 and January 28, 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1. General
Section 2.
Applicants
Section 3.
Trainees
Section
4.
Certified
Field Assistants
Section 5.
Certification
Canine Testing Process; Certified Handlers
Section
6.
Number
of Canines Per Trainee; Number of Canines Per Certified
Handler; Bark Alert;
Cross-Training of Alert-Systems
Section
7.
Re-Certification
of Certified Canine; Re-Certification of Second Canine
Section
8.
Certification
of Other NASAR-Recognized Units
Section
9.
Training
Logs
Section
10.
Uniforms/Equipment
MEMBERSHIP
and WILDERNESS PERFORMANCE
EXPECTATION GUIDELINES and REQUIREMENTS
Section
1
General.
(a) Massachusetts
Canine Response Team, Inc. (“MACRT”) has developed the
following "Search and Rescue Dog/Handler Performance Expectations" in
order to:
(i)
To provide user agencies and SAR Managers with recommended performance
expectations for both the SAR dog and the handler at a search scene; and
(ii)
To identity the performance standards to which the developing dog and
handler team must train so as to contribute successfully in a search for missing
persons.
(b)
In establishing, implementing and making any amendments hereto, MACRT
expressly states that its performance standards meet, at a minimum, the
performance standards and Certification Testing process set forth in the
Massachusetts Search Dog Standards, in effect within the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts as of September 19, 1999.
Section
2
Applicants.
Parties meeting the requirements set forth in MACRT’s By-Laws, and who
are interested in becoming members of the corporation, must attend at least
three (3) but not more than five (5) consecutive weekly trainings as observers
only. During this observation
period, the party's canine (if any) will be evaluated relative to its aptitude
for search and rescue training. After
observing the third training, the party will be encouraged to submit an
application to the corporation seeking membership in the corporation. Applications for membership shall be reviewed three (3) times
a year in January, May and September as an agenda item at the Regular and Annual
General Meetings. Certified Field
Assistants and Certified Handlers will vote on all applicants.
If approved by majority vote, an applicant will be invited to attend
three (3) months of scheduled training accompanied by their canine (if
applicable). At the end of the
three (3) month period, Certified Field Assistants and Certified Handlers will
vote on whether to grant Trainee status to the applicant.
An applicant may be given Trainee status with or without a canine.
Section
3
Trainees.
(a)
Trainees Without Canines. After
attaining Trainee status, "Trainees Without Canines" will be assigned
a Certified Field Assistant who will serve as the Trainee's Primary Mentor. The
Trainee, with the assistance of the Primary Mentor, must work toward developing
the skills necessary to meet the qualifications established for Certified Field
Assistants. Certified Field
Assistants and Certified Handlers collectively will review each Trainee's
progress six (6) months after attaining Trainee status.
If Certified Field Assistant status is not attained within one (1) year
after being granted Trainee Status, the Trainee will be dropped from the
training program barring extraordinary circumstances.
(b)
Trainees With Canines. After
attaining Trainee status, "Trainees With Canines" will be assigned a
Certified Handler who will serve as the Trainee's Primary Mentor.
The Trainee, with the assistance of the Primary Mentor, must work toward
developing the skills necessary to meet the qualifications established for
Certified Field Assistants and Certified Handlers. A training program will be established for the Trainee's
canine upon the Trainee attaining Trainee status.
Certified Field Assistants and Certified Handlers collectively will
review each Trainee's progress six (6) months after being granted Trainee
status. If Certified Field
Assistant status is not attained within one (1) year after attaining Trainee
Status, the Trainee will be dropped from the training program barring
extraordinary circumstances. If
certification of Trainee's canine is not started after two (2) years of
attaining Trainee status, the canine will be dropped from the training program
barring extraordinary circumstances.
Section
4
Certified Field Assistants.
(a)
Field Modules. Within
one (1) year after attaining Trainee Status, Trainees must demonstrate
proficiency in the following Field Modules:
(1) Map and
Compass (must pass a written test and must demonstrate the ability as
follows:
(i) A test area will be selected
where the terrain is predominantly wooded with underbrush, and should be
representative of a typical wilderness area found in Massachusetts. The
handler should be unfamiliar with the evaluation area. [Has not trained or
searched in the evaluation area.]
(ii) The evaluation area will
have 2 easily recognizable boundaries (roads, major trails, utility lines,
stream, etc.); the other 2 boundaries may be delineated by a compass
bearing or terrain features.
(iii) The handler will be given a
photocopy of a map of the evaluation area, with the boundaries clearly
indicated
(iv) The handler’s equipment
will be checked to be certain it is appropriate for the weather and
terrain. [Evaluators may cancel evaluation if not appropriate.]
(v) The handler will be asked to
demonstrate their map and compass skills as follows: (a) by first walking
along a known boundary of the test area; (b) then navigating along the
next boundary line by following compass bearing; (c) then navigating along
the second boundary by following the next set of compass bearings; (d)
then walking 100 meters along the next known boundary of the test area;
(e) then navigating along a gridline by following a compass bearing
designed to intersect with the opposite parameter line; (f) then walking
100 meters along the boundary line by following a compass bearing; and (g)
finally navigating along a gridline by following a compass bearing
designed to intersect with the opposite boundary line. Handler and
evaluator will walk remaining distance to the starting point of the test.
(vi) Prior to entering the field,
the handler must describe, draw, and explain his search strategy as if he
were working his canine. [The handler may amend his strategy at any time,
as field conditions warrant].
(vi) During the evaluation, the
handler should trace her route and be able to reasonably approximate
his/her location at the evaluator's request.
(vii) At one point during the
evaluation, the handler will be asked to note his/her access route, and
instruct evaluators to be prepared to reverse their route in the event
that the subject’s location is a crime scene.
(2)
Weather (must pass a written test);
(3) Crime Scene
Preservation (must pass a written test);
(4)
First Aid (must pass a written test; First Responder and/or CPR
certification is
encouraged but is optional);
(5) K-9 First Aid (must pass a written test);
(6)
Radio Operational Procedures (must pass a written test and must
demonstrate
basic operating and programming skills); and
(7)
Physical Fitness (must demonstrate the ability to hike three (3) miles
with
24-hour pack (including water for handler and canine) in under two (2)
hours).
(b)
Trainees who demonstrate proficiency in the Field Modules set forth above
in section 4(a) shall become Certified Field Assistants.
(c)
Full Operational Status; Certified Field Assistants.
Certified Field Assistants shall be considered fully operational in the
event of an emergency response event.
(d)
Any renewable certificates, including but not limited to, First Aid
and/or CPR, should be current and maintained on file with the Secretary.
Section
5
Certification Canine Testing Process; Certified Handlers.
(a) The
Certification Canine Testing Process will consist of a two-part Obedience Test and five
(5) Search Tests as hereinafter set forth:
OBEDIENCE TEST:
The canine on incident must be
under the control of the handler at all times, capable of heeling through
crowds, and non-aggressive to both people and other canines. When tested, the
dog must not bite or snap at either humans or dogs, or growl at humans, in the
following situations (excepting that a dog who is attacked by another dog will
not be penalized for self-defense):
(1) Aggression
Testing
i. While in a heeling position with
the handler, a neutral stranger will approach the handler of the canine and
engage in conversation with the handler but ignore the canine;
ii. Upon completion of the
encounter with the neutral stranger, the handler and a friendly stranger
will be directed to walk toward each other and the friendly stranger will
engage in conversation with the handler and also make direct, but
non-threatening, physical and verbal overtures to the canine (ie, speaking
to the canine, reaching out and petting the canine): and
iii. While walking on a leash
loose, the handler and canine shall complete a Figure "8" around
two handlers with their canines ("post team") on lead, sitting at
their side, and spaced eight feet apart. The handler and canine shall
complete the pattern, on loose leash, passing within two feet of each post
team.
(2) Obedience Testing
i. With the exception of tracking
or trailing dogs which do not work off-leash, the handler and canine must
perform the following commands as directed while heeling off-leash through a
group of not less than five milling people:
* Right Turn
* Left Turn
* About Turn
* Halt
* Change of Pace (fast, slow,
normal)
ii. "Heeling" is defined
as the canine maintaining position at either side of the handler so as to be
attentive to the handler and under his or her control at all times.
iii. Additional or repetitive
commands are acceptable.
The "Obedience and Temperament
Test Check-Off" will be performed in-house by two (2) Certified MACRT
Handlers using a form prepared or this purpose.
SEARCH TESTS:
The following problems represent typical searching scenarios in rural or
wilderness situations. In addition to these problems, the handler must meet the
qualifications previously identified.
Search Test No. 1 -- Demonstration of an Independent Alert Behavior
The
handler must identify and then demonstrate the canine's alert-behavior.
For refind dogs, the canine must demonstrate an active refind (ie, dog
must perform a clear signal upon returning to the handler).
For bark alert dogs, the canine must demonstrate a 30-second bark alert.
At the handler's discretion, the subject will either (i) be pre-placed 25
yards from where the handler will start the canine or (ii) the subject will run
25 yards away from the canine. In
either case, the handler will direct the dog toward the subject but once the
canine has indicated scent of the subject, the handler may not talk or signal
the canine in any way. Once the dog
makes contact with the subject, the dog must remain focused and demonstrate an
"independent of handler" alert behavior (ie, the canine must perform
its refind or bark alert with NO cueing from the handler).
Canines which perform a refind alert-behavior may be asked by the handler
"To Show" the subject to the handler after the canine has
independently demonstrated its indication-alert behavior.
The "Search
Test No. 1 Check-Off" will be performed in-house by two (2) Certified MACRT
Handlers using a form prepared or this purpose.
Search Test No. 2 -- Hasty search problem
A
path, trail, logging road or the like, not less than ½ mile long and not longer
than 3/4 mile long. The canine must
locate the subject within about 30 feet off the trail.
The handler and canine team are limited to two (2) passes on the trail.
The subject should be placed at least 20 minutes prior to the start of
the search. The subject should be
well‑hidden. Handler must
locate the subject. ALERT:
In Search Test No. 2, some weakening in the canine's alert behavior from
that demonstrated in Search Test
No. 1 is permissible. The handler
should be able to describe that the canine is alerting, recognize the alert and
follow the canine to the subject. Although
it is ideal that the canine perform a clearly recognizable indication-refind or
bark alert with no handler support, the end goal is whether the handler, in
working with the canine, can identify that the canine has found the subject and
is able to follow the canine in to the subject. The canine must eagerly move in to the subject.
The handler should assess the subject for injury, accurately place the
subject on the map, call the coordinates into the base and recommend any medical
assistance required.
The
"Search Test No. 2 Check-Off" will be performed in-house by two (2)
Certified MACRT Handlers using a form prepared or this purpose.
Search Test No. 3 -- Blind Area Problem (Day): 1 Subject:
Area
problem (40 - 60 acres) during the day; 3-hour time limit.
Handler should evaluate information provided regarding missing subject,
determine search strategy, and search the area for the subject.
The subject should be placed at least 30 minutes prior to the start of
the search. The subject should be
well‑hidden. Handler should
direct search activity according to wind, terrain and cover.
Handler must locate the subject. ALERT:
In Search Test No. 3, some weakening in the canine's alert behavior from
that demonstrated in Search Test No. 1 is permissible.
Although it is ideal that the canine perform a clearly recognizable
indication-refind or bark alert with no handler support, the end goal is whether
the handler, in working with the canine, and the evaluators can identify that
the canine has found the subject and is able to follow the canine in to the
subject. The canine must eagerly
move in to subject. Handler should
assess subject, identify location, contact base with location and medical
assessment.
The
"Search Test No. 3 Check-Off" will be performed in-house by two (2)
Certified MACRT Handlers using a form prepared or this purpose.
Search Test No. 4 -- Blind Area Problem (Night): 1 Subject
Area
problem (40 - 60 acres) at night; 4-hour time limit.
Handler should evaluate information provided regarding missing subject,
determine search strategy, and search the area for the subject.
The search should begin at least one hour after dark and the subject
should be placed at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the search.
The subject should be well‑hidden in dark clothing.
Handler should direct search activity according to wind, terrain and
cover. Handler must locate the
subject. ALERT:
In Search Test No. 4, some weakening in the canine's alert behavior from
that demonstrated in Search Test No. 1 is permissible.
Although it is ideal that the canine perform a clearly recognizable
indication-refind or bark alert with no handler support, the end goal is whether
the handler, in working with the canine, and the evaluators can identify that
the canine has found the subject and is able to follow the canine in to the
subject. The canine must eagerly
move in to subject. Handler should
assess subject, identify location, contact base with location and medical
assessment.
The
"Search Test No. 4 Check-Off" will be performed in-house by two (2)
Certified MACRT Handlers using a form prepared or this purpose.
Search Test No. 5 -- Multi-Subject Area Problem (Day): 2 Subjects
One
area (approximately 160 acres) during the day with light brush/tree cover
interspersed with open areas. (In areas where only dense foliage exists, the 160
acres may be reduced to not smaller than 80 acres).
Two persons (number of subjects known to handler) hidden out of sight
must be found within a 5-hour time limit. The
handler should assess the sector on the map, determine the most effective way to
search the sector, work the canine effectively, assess any subjects, determine
their exact location, and notify base of their needs.
Then, handler should continue on to next subject.
Handler must locate both subjects. ALERT:
Unlike Search Test Nos. 2-4 where some weakening in the canine's alert behavior
from that demonstrated in Search Test No. 1 was permissible, the canine in
Search Test No. 5 should report the finding of each subject with an identifiable
indication-refind or bark alert. As
in the prior Search Tests, however, the end goal is whether the handler, in
working with the canine, and the evaluators can identify that the canine has
found a subject and is able to follow the canine in to the subject.
Therefore, a handler and canine team may still pass Search Test
No. 5 if the canine eagerly moves in to each subject and gives an alert
sufficient for the handler and the evaluators to identify that the canine has
found and the precise location of the subject.
The degree to which the canine deviates from an ideal indication-refind
or bark alert with no handler support may be taken into consideration when
determining whether the handler and canine passes Search Test No. 5.
The
"Search Test No. 5 Check-Off" will be performed by one (1) Certified
MACRT Handler and one (1) operational area search canine handler from a nearby
unit (which works under similar conditions and/or terrain) using a form prepared
for this purpose.
(b)
Limited Operational Status. Trainees
must attain the level of Certified Field Assistant before starting the
Certification Canine Testing Process. Handler
and canine team must successfully complete the Basic Obedience Test before
starting the first Search Test. Handler
and canine teams who have successfully completed the Basic Obedience Test and
the first four (4) Search Tests shall be given Limited Operational Status. A Limited Operational Handler and canine team may be used at
an emergency response event at the discretion of the Operations Leader or a
Certified Handler. The Incident
Command must be notified whenever a Limited Operational Handler and canine team
is used.
(c)
Full Operational Status; Certified Handler.
Handler and canine teams who have successfully completed the Basic
Obedience Test and the first four (4) Search Tests must successfully complete
the Advanced Obedience Test before starting Search Test No. 5.
Handler and canine teams who have successfully completed the Basic
Obedience Test, the Advanced Obedience Test and all five (5) Search Tests shall
become Certified Handlers and shall be considered Fully Operational in the event
of an emergency response event.
Section
6
Number of Canines Per Trainee; Number of Canines Per Certified
Handler; Bark Alert; Cross-Training of Alert-Systems.
(a)
Trainees with canines who are working toward developing the skills
necessary to meet the qualifications established for Certified Field Assistants
and Certified Handlers may work with one canine only.
Such canine shall be under said Trainee's exclusive care and control and
primary training of the canine will not be shared by any other handler.
(b)
Only handler and canine teams which have successfully attained the status
of Certified Handler and who are considered Fully Operational are permitted to
train a second canine at regularly scheduled trainings.
Any such Certified Handler member who wishes to train a second canine
should submit a written request to the Board of Directors.
The written request should set forth the facts and circumstances
explaining why the Certified Handler wishes to train a second canine. Permission to train, and ultimately field, a second canine,
is subject to approval by the Board of Directors and will be granted based on: (i)
the facts and circumstances set forth in the written request; (ii) the age of
the Certified Handler's current canine; (iii) the type of specialty
detection-training toward which the Certified Handler wishes to direct the
second canine; (iv) the Certified Handler's participation in regularly scheduled
team trainings; (v) the contributions which the Certified Handler has made to
the corporation; (vi) the corporation's need for such second canine in light of
the number of emergency events to which the corporation annually responds; and
(vii) any other relevant facts and circumstances pertaining to the benefit which
such second canine would provide to the corporation and its members.
(c)
Training a second canine without approval by the Board of Directors and
outside the direct supervision provided through participation in weekly group
training by Trainees who have not yet successfully attained the status of
Certified Handler and who are not considered Fully Operational may result in the
termination of the applicant's Trainee status.
(d)
Trainees with canines who are working toward developing the skills
necessary to meet the qualifications established for Certified Field Assistants
and Certified Handlers must elect to train said canine in one alert-system only.
Cross-training of alert-systems is prohibited prior to a handler and
canine team successfully attaining the status of Certified Handler and becoming
Fully Operational.
(e)
MACRT requires its wilderness search dogs which are cross-trained for the
FEMA National USAR program to stay with the victim and perform the bark alert.
Search dogs which are used exclusively for wilderness may elect whether
to use a bark alert or an active refind (ie, dog must perform a clear signal
upon returning to the handler), but are not permitted to cross-train in both
alerts. MACRT imposes these requirements on its members because MACRT believes
that few search dogs can be trained to effectively perform both the refind-behavior
and the bark alert without some deterioration of one or both of the learned
behaviors. As MACRT strongly
supports the use of the bark alert in the FEMA National USAR program, and as it
firmly believes that disaster dogs which train in rugged, backwoods terrain can
make superb wilderness search dogs, MACRT therefore believes it illogical to
deprive the public of a valuable emergency response resource because of the
alert system the dog may happen to use.
(f)
Any Certified Handler who wishes to cross-train his or her certified
canine in a second alert-system should submit a written request to the Board of
Directors setting forth the facts and circumstances explaining why the Certified
Handler wishes to cross-train the certified canine.
Cross-training certified canines in a second alert-system is not
encouraged. Permission to
cross-train is subject to approval by the Board of Directors and will be granted
based on: (i) the facts and circumstances set forth in the written request; (ii)
the age of the canine which the Certified Handler wishes to cross-train; (iii)
the type of specialty detection-training toward which the Certified Handler
wishes to direct the canine which necessitates a different alert-system; (iv)
the Certified Handler's participation in regularly scheduled team trainings; (v)
the contributions which the Certified Handler has made to the corporation; (vi)
the corporation's need for such a cross-trained canine in light of the number of
emergency events to which the corporation annually responds; and (vii) any other
relevant facts and circumstances pertaining to the benefit which cross-training
the canine would provide to the corporation and its members.
(g)
The sole exception to the prohibition set forth above in subsection (a)
are Trainees who wish to train a second canine for cadaver-detection only.
The sole exception to the prohibition set forth above in subsection (e)
are Certified Handlers who wish to cross-train their certified canine for
cadaver-detection only. In both
cases, prior approval by the Board of Directors is not required.
Section
7
Re-Certification of a Certified Canine; Re-Certification of a Second
Canine.
(a)
A Certified Handler with a certified canine must re-certify every two (2)
years by successfully completing Search Test No. 5 of the Certification Canine
Testing Process. The
"Re-Certification Check-Offs" will be performed by two (2) Certified MACRT
Handlers using a form prepared for this purpose. The "Re-Certification Check-Offs" should be
conducted within 60 days of the two-year anniversary
of the previous successful completion of the requirements and evolution to Full
Operational Status. In addition,
any certified canine which is out of service for more than 120 days should be
evaluated by the Training Officer to determine whether the Certified Handler and
canine needs to re-certify by successfully completing Search Test No. 5 of the
Certification Canine Testing Process.
(b)
Certified Handlers that have attained Full Operational Status with one
canine may attain Full Operational Status with a new canine by successfully
completing the Basic and Advanced Obedience Tests and Search Test Nos. 1 and 5
of the Certification Canine Testing Process.
Section
8
Certification of Other NASAR-Recognized Units.
(a)
Limited Operational Status. Handler
and canine teams who are members of, and have fully certified with, a NASAR-recognized
search and rescue unit including, but not limited to, (i) Federal Emergency
Management Agency's Urban Search and Rescue National Task Force; (ii) Network of
Canine Detection Services, Inc.; or (iii) Canine Search & Recovery, Inc.,
may submit an application to the corporation seeking membership in the
corporation. Applications for such
membership shall be reviewed at any time during the year at a meeting called for
that purpose. Certified Field
Assistants and Certified Handlers will vote on all applicants.
Those applicants accepted for membership by majority vote will be granted
Limited Operational Status in the corporation for an eighteen (18) month period
of time and invited to seek Full Certification with the corporation prior to the
expiration of the eighteen (18) month certification period.
A Limited Operational Handler and canine team may be used at an emergency
response event at the discretion of the Operations Leader or a Certified
Handler. The Incident Command must
be notified whenever a Limited Operational Handler and canine team is used.
(b)
Modified Certification Canine Testing Process.
Those handler and canine teams who are members of, and have fully
certified with, a NASAR-recognized search and rescue unit and who seek Full
Certification with the corporation must successfully complete within eighteen
(18) months a modified version of the Certification Canine Testing Process
consisting of a Basic Obedience Test, an Advanced Obedience Test and Search
Tests No.1 and 5 as set forth above.
(c)
Field Modules. Prior
to the expiration of the eighteen (18) month certification period, those handler
and canine teams who are members of, and have fully certified with, a NASAR-recognized
search and rescue unit and who seek Full Certification with the corporation also
must demonstrate proficiency in the Field Modules required for Certified Field
Assistants and set forth above in Section 4.
(d)
Full Operational Status; Certified Handler.
Handler and canine teams who are members of, and have fully certified
with, a NASAR-recognized search and rescue unit and who seek Full Certification
with the corporation shall be considered Fully Operational in the event of an
emergency response event if such handler and canine team successfully completes
the Modified Certification Canine Testing Process set forth above and
demonstrates proficiency in the Field Modules set forth in Section 4 prior to
the expiration of the eighteen (18) month certification period.
Section
9
Training Logs.
Certified Field Assistants and Certified Handlers shall prepare Training
Logs relative to the weekly training each such person and his or her canine (if
any) performs. Said Training Logs
shall be maintained by each Certified Field Assistants and Certified Handlers as
their own personal training records but copies shall be submitted to the
Secretary on a monthly basis.
Section
10
Patches/Uniforms/Equipment.
(a)
There shall be one "Team Patch" which may be purchased from the
corporation. It is recommended that
the "Team Patch" be positioned on the left upper sleeve of any team
shirt or outer-wear.
(b)
Uniforms to be used by Certified Field Assistants and Certified Handlers
when participating in any training at which the public may attend as observers,
when participating in any public demonstrations and/or attending emergency
response events shall include the following: (1) (i) Red Team T-shirt with logo
on front and "MACRT CANINE
SEARCH" silk-screened on back; or (ii) Team Collared-Shirt (Red or
Natural/Tan/Beige in color) bearing Team Patch; (2) Dark or Tan Pants; (3) Red
3/4 Jacket with patch stitched on left upper sleeve. (Optional: (i) "MACRT CANINE SEARCH" embroidered on back); and (4)
all-leather waterproof hiking boots.
(c)
The equipment which each member will be required to have for his/her
personal use as well as that of his/her canine will be will be contained in a
writing entitled "Equipment Guidelines and Requirements of MASSACHUSETTS
CANINE RESPONSE TEAM, INC. " and may be modified from time to time with
Board of Director approval.
AMENDMENTS
Effective
October 20, 2000
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the foregoing "Search and Rescue
Dog/Handler Performance Expectations" have been amended and adopted by
majority vote taken on the 20th day of October, 2000, as follows:
(1)
The performance standards now reflect the corporate name,
“Massachusetts Canine Response Team, Inc.” (“MACRT”), the said corporate
name having been officially amended from “NorEast Canine Search Services,
Inc.” to “Massachusetts Canine Response Team, Inc.”
(2)
Section (1) has been amended to add the following language as subsection
(b):
(b)
In establishing, implementing and making any amendments hereto, MACRT
expressly states that its performance standards meet, at a minimum, the
performance standards and Certification Testing process set forth in the
Massachusetts Search Dog Standards, in effect within the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts as of September 19, 1999.
(3)
Search Test No. 5 in Section (5)(a) has been amended as follows to
reflect only two subjects will used for this Certification Test:
Search Test No. 5 -- Multi-Subject Area Problem (Day): 2 Subjects
One area (approximately 160 acres) during the day with light brush/tree
cover interspersed with open areas. (In areas where only dense foliage exists,
the 160 acres may be reduced to not smaller than 80 acres).
Two persons (number of subjects known to handler) hidden out of sight
must be found within a 5-hour time limit. The
handler should assess the sector on the map, determine the most effective way to
search the sector, work the canine effectively, assess any subjects, determine
their exact location, and notify base of their needs.
Then, handler should continue on to next subject.
Handler must locate both subjects. ALERT:
Unlike Search Test Nos. 2-4 where some weakening in the canine's alert behavior
from that demonstrated in Search Test No. 1 was permissible, the canine in
Search Test No. 5 should report the finding of each subject with an identifiable
indication-refind or bark alert. As
in the prior Search Tests, however, the end goal is whether the handler, in
working with the canine, and the evaluators can identify that the canine has
found a subject and is able to follow the canine in to the subject.
Therefore, a handler and canine team may still pass Search
(4)
Search Test No. 6 in Section (5)(a) has been deleted in its entirety as
follows:
Search Test No. 6 -- Multi-Subject Area Problem (Night): 2-3 Subjects
One
area (approximately 80 acres) at night with light brush/tree cover interspersed
with open areas. (In areas where only dense foliage exists, the 80 acres may be
reduced to not smaller than 60 acres). Two
or three persons (number of subjects known to handler) hidden out of sight must
be found within a 5-hour time limit. The
handler should assess the sector on the map, determine the most effective way to
search the sector, work the canine effectively, assess any subjects, determine
their exact location, and notify base of their needs.
Then, handler should continue on to next subject.
Handler must locate all subjects. ALERT:
Unlike Search Test Nos. 2-4 where some weakening in the canine's alert behavior
from that demonstrated in Search Test 1 was permissible, the canine in Search
Test No. 6 should report the finding of each subject with an clearly
identifiable indication-refind or bark alert. As in the prior Search Tests, however, the end goal is
whether the handler, in working with the canine, and the evaluators can identify
that the canine has found a subject and is able to follow the canine in to the
subject. Therefore, a handler and
canine team may still pass Search Test No. 6 if the canine eagerly moves in to
each subject and gives an alert sufficient for the handler and the evaluators to
identify that the canine has found and the precise location of the subject.
The degree to which the canine deviates from an ideal indication-refind
or bark alert with no handler support may be taken into consideration when
determining whether the handler and canine passes Search Test No. 6.
The
"Search Test No. 6 Check-Off" will be performed by one (1) Certified
MACRT Handler and one (1) operational area search canine handler from a nearby
unit (which works under similar conditions and/or terrain) using a form prepared
for this purpose.
AMENDMENTS
Effective
January 28, 2001
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the foregoing "Search and Rescue
Dog/Handler Performance Expectations" have been amended and adopted by
majority vote taken on the 28th day of January, 2001, as follows:
(1) Section
(4)(a)(1) has been amended as follows to more closely
reflect the map and compass skills which will be required
on each of the
certification tests:
(a)
Field Modules. Within one
(1) year after attaining Trainee Status, Trainees must demonstrate proficiency
in the following Field Modules:
(1)
Map and Compass (must pass a
written test and must demonstrate the ability as follows:
(i) A test area will be selected
where the terrain is predominantly wooded with underbrush, and should be
representative of a typical wilderness area found in Massachusetts. The
handler should be unfamiliar with the evaluation area. [Has not trained or
searched in the evaluation area.]
(ii) The evaluation area will
have 2 easily recognizable boundaries (roads, major trails, utility lines,
stream, etc.); the other 2 boundaries may be delineated by a compass
bearing or terrain features.
(iii) The handler will be given a
photocopy of a map of the evaluation area, with the boundaries clearly
indicated
(iv) The handler’s equipment
will be checked to be certain it is appropriate for the weather and
terrain. [Evaluators may cancel evaluation if not appropriate.]
(v) The handler will be asked to
demonstrate their map and compass skills as follows: (a) by first walking
along a known boundary of the test area; (b) then navigating along the
next boundary line by following compass bearing; (c) then navigating along
the second boundary by following the next set of compass bearings; (d)
then walking 100 meters along the next known boundary of the test area;
(e) then navigating along a gridline by following a compass bearing
designed to intersect with the opposite parameter line; (f) then walking
100 meters along the boundary line by following a compass bearing; and (g)
finally navigating along a gridline by following a compass bearing
designed to intersect with the opposite boundary line. Handler and
evaluator will walk remaining distance to the starting point of the test.
(vi) Prior to entering the field,
the handler must describe, draw, and explain his search strategy as if he
were working his canine. [The handler may amend his strategy at any time,
as field conditions warrant].
(vi) During the evaluation, the
handler should trace her route and be able to reasonably approximate
his/her location at the evaluator's request.
(vii) At one point during the
evaluation, the handler will be asked to note his/her access route, and
instruct evaluators to be prepared to reverse their route in the event
that the subject’s location is a crime scene.
(2)
Section
(5) has been amended
as follows to conform with the Obedience Requirements and Temperament
Requirements as set forth in the "Massachusetts Search Dog Standard,"
first adopted by the Massachusetts Search and Rescue Dog Committee on September
19, 1999 and thereafter amended on September 2, 2000:
Section 5
Certification Canine Testing Process; Certified Handlers.
(a) The Certification Canine Testing
Process will consist of an Obedience Test and five (5) Search Tests as
hereinafter set forth:
OBEDIENCE TEST:
The canine on incident must be
under the control of the handler at all times, capable of heeling through
crowds, and non-aggressive to both people and other canines. When tested,
the dog must not bite or snap at either humans or dogs, or growl at humans,
in the following situations (excepting that a dog who is attacked by another
dog will not be penalized for self-defense):
(1) Aggression Testing
i. While in a heeling position
with the handler, a neutral stranger will approach the handler of the
canine and engage in conversation with the handler but ignore the canine;
ii. Upon completion of the
encounter with the neutral stranger, the handler and a friendly stranger
will be directed to walk toward each other and the friendly stranger will
engage in conversation with the handler and also make direct, but
non-threatening, physical and verbal overtures to the canine (ie, speaking
to the canine, reaching out and petting the canine): and
iii. While walking on a leash
loose, the handler and canine shall complete a Figure "8" around
two handlers with their canines ("post team") on lead, sitting
at their side, and spaced eight feet apart. The handler and canine shall
complete the pattern, on loose leash, passing within two feet of each post
team.
(2) Obedience Testing
i. With the exception of tracking
or trailing dogs which do not work off-leash, the handler and canine must
perform the following commands as directed while heeling off-leash through
a group of not less than five milling people:
* Right Turn
* Left Turn
* About Turn
* Halt
* Change of Pace (fast, slow,
normal)
ii. "Heeling" is
defined as the canine maintaining position at either side of the handler
so as to be attentive to the handler and under his or her control at all
times.
iii. Additional or repetitive
commands are acceptable.
The "Obedience and Temperament
Test Check-Off" will be performed in-house by two (2) Certified MACRT
Handlers using a form prepared or this purpose.