q The canine and handler must demonstrate the ability to search an assigned area effectively.
q The handler will develop a search plan based on the scenario presented as well as the terrain features
and weather conditions, and articulate that plan to the evaluator. The handler may deviate from the initial search plan, but
must advise the evaluator as to when and why he/she has changed the search strategy.
q At that time, the handler must also advise the evaluator of the
dog’s trained indication. A canine’s indication is a trained behavior signaling the odor of human remains
has been located. The handler may also verbalize the canine’s natural alert
behavior as well but only executing the trained indication is acceptable to complete the evaluation. The indication must be
clear enough that the handler will not miss it or mistake it for interest in non-human remains material.
q The dog must search independently and follow up on alerts.
q The dog must provide its trained indication without prompts or cues at each hide and the handler must
call the source location correctly.
q The handler must maintain control of his/her dog at all times.
q The dog and handler must make an effective search team.
For
land, there are two levels of land HRD certifications: Basic and Advanced. Basic
HRD includes two evaluation areas: covered surface and buried. Advanced HRD includes
the two Basic HRD evaluations as well as two additional evaluations for vehicles and buildings. Teams may not test to the Advanced level unless they successfully completed the Basic HRD sectors during
the same test period. There could be more than one hide in each area. Distractions such as blank containers, animal remains and false holes may be placed in sectors. These negatives will be placed carefully to avoid any contamination with the cadaver sources. The area surrounding the sources will be camouflaged to avoid visual clues to
the handler. The search sectors will be contaminated with human scent
to prevent the canine from trailing to the scent source. For scenarios (except
the surface hides), if the canine cannot pinpoint the source of scent due to conditions, the handler
must be able to read the canine and describe the scent boundaries within a reasonable distance (reasonable will be determined
by the evaluator based on the conditions). All final decisions are up to the
evaluator’s discretion.
For
water, there are two evaluation areas: shoreline and water search conducted from a boat.
All
certifications are valid for two years.
|
Basic: The basic land
evaluations will consist of 1-2 covered surface sources as well as a buried source.
Each sector will be not less than 1 acre and not more than 2 acres and should include fields,
wooded areas, and a variety of vegetation and terrain features. The size of the sector may change depending on the
terrain available. The sector(s) will also contain negatives such as dead animals,
false holes, and other distractions.
|
|
Advanced: Two additional test scenarios may be performed by the team which includes a vehicle line up and a building search. At least three vehicles will be used for this portion of the test with one vehicle
containing a scent source. For the building portion,
due to the difficulty in locating suitable sites, the size and condition of the building may vary. The test may be performed
in one building if it is large enough or in two smaller buildings. 1-2 sources
will be placed and at least one room will be a blank area.
|
|
Water: Approximately 150 feet of shoreline will be searched from land as well
as 2-4 acres of a body of water searched by boat. Each sector will have one source. |
