Policy Text
\n\n--- Page 1 ---\n\nGAINESVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
TITLE: ACCREDITATION
Search and Rescue Operations CALEA 46.2.5
PRIOR REVISIONS
None
PROPONENT UNIT
Patrol Support Bureau
ATTACHMENT:
NUMBER ISSUE DATE REVISION DATE TOTAL PAGES
46.13 10/24/2019 New 2
I. PURPOSE: This policy creates policies and procedures for Members to conduct search and
recuse operations as they related to natural disasters. Missing person investigation and
searches are documented in G.O. 40.5.
II. POLICY: The Department initiates or participates in search and rescue operations to the
extent necessary to locate missing, lost, or unaccounted-for persons with the intent of
removing them, if not trapped or injured, to a safe location, or to identify their location, if they
are trapped or injured, so that their extrication and/or emergency medical treatment or
evacuation can be accomplished by appropriately trained personnel.
III. PROCEDURE:
A. Normally, a search and rescue operation involves both Police and Fire/Rescue
personnel. Department personnel will coordinate all efforts involving search and rescue
with the overall Incident Command.
B. The Incident Commander (normally the rank of Lieutenant of higher) for Department
personnel shall work within the ICS structure but shall have overall command of
Department personnel.
1. Ensures that the Department command staff and Chief have been notified.
2. Establish a command post for Department operations.
3. Ensures all Department personnel are appropriately equipped and attires with
suitable clothing, portable radios, a flashlight, and any other specialized equipment
necessary.
4. Ensures all Department personnel are accounted for at all times.
5. Calls for additional resources, including but not limited to K-9, Aviation Unit, and
additional Department personnel.\n\n--- Page 2 ---\n\nGAINESVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
i. All requests for outside agency assistance should be done through normal
mutual aid agreements.
ii. Private resources, such as SAR Teams, must be approved by a Bureau
Commander and such action should be in liaison with the overall Incident
Command.
6. Sworn personnel participating in the search and rescue operation shall:
i. Keep their supervisor informed as to their location and status.
ii. Make no attempt to rescue a person injured or trapped, unless in a life-
threatening situation (i.e., CPR necessary, a fire is imminent, etc).
iii. Document the specific location where the injured or deceased person is found,
paying attention to determine whether foul play is involved.
IV. DOCUMENTATION: The incident commander of the Department operations shall be
responsible for completing an after action report. This shall be submitted to the Chief with
14 days of the end of the operation.
_________________________
By Order of
Signed Original on File in the
Accreditation Unit
__________________________
Tony R. Jones
Chief of Police
2