Stafford County Sheriff S Office

STAFFORD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MANUAL OF GENERAL ORDERS General Order: 22-03 Effective Date: 1/1/2000 Amended: August 2013 VOLUNTEER MEMBERS OF SEARCH AND RESCUE

I. POLICY:

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office volunteer program provides a service to the Sheriff’s Office and the Community without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation for services rendered. Volunteers include interns, chaplains, special deputies, traffic service, crossing guards and persons providing administrative support to records and investigative operations. The Stafford volunteer program is as varied and diverse as the Sheriff’s Office itself, and each volunteer effort is tailored to the needs and resources of this agency and the community.

The sheriff’s Office has very high expectations for the volunteer program. A volunteer program makes a significant difference in the operation of this agency. An essential part of the effort is to ensure that the volunteers enjoy their experiences by creating meaningful and rewarding opportunities for them to serve.

This policy sets forth the rules to govern the Volunteer Members of the Search and Rescue Team.

II. PURPOSE:

The purpose of the volunteer members of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team is to provide trained personnel for searches conducted by the Sheriff’s Office. Trained volunteer members will relieve law enforcement personnel in performing task that do not require sworn personnel. These searches may be in the county or may be in jurisdictions that request the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office.

Volunteer members may be called out for any type of search. The decision to call out volunteer members will depend on the individual search, the qualification of individual members and will follow established policy.

III. RULES OF CONDUCT:

The Stafford Sheriff’s Office expects its members to maintain a high standard of conduct both on and off duty. Volunteer members, although they do not have law enforcement authority, are members of the department and will conduct themselves in a manner to meet the high standard of conduct of the Sheriff’s Office.

All members of the Stafford Sheriff’s Office are subject to drug testing upon reasonable suspicion being present. Testing may include urine testing, blood withdrawal, breathalyzer or a polygraph examination. No member shall use any illegal substance at any time, on duty or off duty. No member will use legal drugs in any way detrimental to the safety or well-being of themselves or others. Members will not report for duty while intoxicated, or consume alcohol on duty. Members that are taking prescription medicine (that has been prescribed by a physician for the 22-03.1

user) that affects their ability to operate equipment or stay alert must report that use to the Incident Commander (IC).

Due to the sensitive nature of some of the work done by this group, all members are required to keep any mission or event details confidential. No member is permitted to release any information regarding an incident. Any questions should be directed to the Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer. Any unauthorized release of information will be grounds for immediate removal from the team.

IV. AUTHORITY:

A. Volunteer members of the Sheriff’s Office SAR Team do not have law enforcement authority and are not authorized to enforce any law, carry or use any firearm in the performance of their duties as team members.

B. Members will be issued an identification card, employee number and volunteer badge number by the Administrative Services Division of the Sheriff’s Office. Members should always wear their identification card in plain view when involved in activities with the Sheriff’s Office. SAR team members shall use their “700” series badge number to mark on duty when assisting this office by contacting the Emergency Communications Center either by landline or radio.

C. Chain of command should be followed at all times by members of the Volunteer SAR team. The Volunteer will designate a coordinator, co-coordinator, training coordinator, membership coordinator and recording secretary. The coordinator of the team will report to the Sheriff’s Office SAR Team Coordinator who will take appropriate actions.

D. When participating in a criminal search volunteer members will be accompanied by sworn law enforcement personnel. If the suspect is encountered, volunteer members will immediately and safely withdraw to a location of safety. All efforts will be made to insure the safety of volunteer personnel at all times and participation in a mission can be withdrawn at any time by the Sheriff or designee. If at any time a member feels their safety is at risk, they may decline a mission without reprimand or consequences.

IV. DUTIES:

A. Volunteer members may be used as members of the Search management Incident Team, as Field Team Leaders, as Field Team Members or as support personnel. Volunteer Members may also serve as Search and Rescue Dog Handlers or as walkers for the dog handler. Dog team members must be certified through another SAR agency.

B. Volunteer members may be used to provide logistical support to obtain items such as food and water. In this capacity, volunteer members with specified training will be allowed to operate Sheriff’s Office support equipment.

C. Volunteers Members of the Search and Rescue team may be called upon by this office to assist with other type of events to include natural disasters and public service events.

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1. Natural Disaster Recovery (tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, snowstorms, etc.)

a. Search for victims and assist as necessary b. Aid in scene security and traffic control c. Provide logistical support

2. Public Service events not limit to:

a. DARE Day (June every year) b. National Night Out (August every year)

D. Volunteer Members also are responsible for assisting the Crime Prevention Unit with Project Lifesaver Program and clients enrolled in the program. Members may be called upon to help with battery changes and do monthly spot checks of transmitters in the community. Trained members are permitted to operate a Sheriff’s Office volunteer vehicle for the purpose of this duty. Training sessions will be conducted yearly on the operation of Project Lifesaver equipment.

E. SAR team members may be called upon to respond to others localities to assist in searches. Requests must be submitted through the chain of command and approved by the Sheriff. Unless this request is made by the Stafford Sheriff’s Office, responding members will not be acting under the authority of the Stafford Sheriff’s Office. Responding on your own, or freelancing is highly discouraged. Members who decide to respond to an incident outside of this jurisdiction do so at their own risk and at no time are permitted to represent this office. Improperly representing this office will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the group.

V. QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEER SAR TEAM MEMBERS:

A. Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years old and a Stafford County resident.

B. Applicants will apply for membership using the Volunteer Application from the Sheriff’s Office, Office of Professional Standards.

C. Applicants will submit to a background investigation as required by the Sheriff’s Office.

D. To maintain membership in the SAR Team members must participate in 50 percent of the in county searches unless specific circumstances prevent their participation. Removal from the SAR Team will be done by the Special Operations Commander or their designee.

VI. MEETING AND TRAINING:

Training and monthly meetings are an integral part of the Volunteer SAR program. The following outlines some requirements for members in relation to meetings as well as some training recommendations and requirements. Due to the sporadic and random nature of missions in the Search and Rescue field members must stay highly trained and involved with the program to insure a high level of service during a mission. 22-03.3

A. SAR Team meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday night of every month at 1900 hours. SAR Team members must attend at least 50 percent of all scheduled meetings and approved training each year. Mandatory attendance at special meetings may be required. A list of the meeting and training dates will be provided to each SAR Team member.

B. Members should be trained be trained or undergoing training to VDEM standard for the position that they perform. This training will be at the cost of the member; unless specific circumstances dictate otherwise in which case a Sheriff’s Office request for training form must be completed and submitted for approval through the SAR Team Coordinator.

B. All members must be CPR and First Aid certified. Training will be proved by the Sheriff’s Office at no cost to the member.

C. There will be two major training events annually. One will be in the spring and the other during the fall. These exercises are mandatory and should be participated by all SAR members.

D. Other training sessions should be conducted on a monthly basis concurrent with the monthly meeting or on a separate day. These sessions should include topics as know tying, GPS and compass training in land navigation, gear preparation, team responsibilities and SAR communications.

E. Members are encouraged to take the FEMA NIMS course online.

VII. EQUIPMENT:

A. Each Volunteer SAR Team member is required to supply their own basic personal equipment to include but not limited to transportation, basic first aid supplies, back pack, canteen and compass. Team members will use the VDEM pack requirements list as a guide for outfitting personal packs.

B. The Sheriff’s Office will supply items such as radios, maps, reflective vest and logistics items such as food and shelter. Equipment will be issued at the scene on a sign-out basis.

C. The uniform for SAR team members will be the following and should be worn at all times unless a specific reason exists. (i.e. Multiple day search) This allows for members to be easily recognized as members of the organization and will help distinguish them from other who may be assisting in the search.

1. Blaze Orange Uniform Shirt a. Sheriff’s Volunteer patches on the arms b. Search and Rescue Rockers above patches on arms c. VGSAR emblem on left chest above pocket d. USA flag and name strip on right chest above pocket

2. Tan BDU style pants 3. Appropriate footwear, boots or rugged outdoor style shoes 22-03.4