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Start by watching the quick, 26-second video below. There is sound and it IS safe for all audiences.
[You can also watch the full 60 minutes segment here (35 minutes, link opens in a new tab)]
People can become lost or missing in the blink of an eye.
This course addresses the information gathering process for Search & Rescue Responders to gain valuable insights in their search for lost and missing people.
There are two primary kinds of field interviews that are relevant:
And the differences in how they are applied are distinctly different.
Key definitions (click each title to expand the toggle area):
Definition offered by the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s (IACP’s) National Law Enforcement and Policy Center. The field interview is defined as:
“the brief detainment of an individual, whether on foot or in a vehicle, based on reasonable suspicion, for the purpose of determining the individual’s identity and resolving the officer’s suspicions concerning criminal activity.”
In Search & Rescue, most field interviews occur with a cooperative witness, not a suspect or detained individual. A cooperating witness could consist of any of the following:
- Family members
- Neighbors
- Bystanders
- First responders
So, while the terms and many of the techniques are the same, there are important nuances (and legalities) to interviewing a detained individual that are outside the purpose of this course.
Someone who has information about the lost or missing person and is cooperating with the search. A person may not know they witnessed something helpful until they’re contacted by a field interviewer.
Someone with culpability of a crime, as determined by law enforcement.
This course focuses on the application of a SAR Field Interview.
Primary Purpose of a Field Interview
The purpose of a field interview is to gather information.
Once obtained, the information can be analyzed and potentially acted upon.
EXAMPLE:
Little Timmy is missing!
Objective: Search for Little Timmy
Interviewer, to witness:
“When was the last time you saw Little Timmy?
Witness: “An hour ago at the rock quarry”
Assignment: “Team 1, go conduct a Primary Search at the rock quarry and report back.”
This simple example illustrates the role of field interviews in a SAR mission.
NOTE: The process to filter and analyze information so that it can be turned into usable intelligence will be covered later.
When do Field Interviews Occur?
Field interviews can occur at any time during a SAR response.
Whenever there is a chance to learn something useful about the lost or missing person, a field interview should be considered.
In the following lessons, you’ll learn:
Let’s get started.
