Canine SARTECH HRD Land
It is strongly recommended that handlers obtain a national fingerprint background
check prior to taking these tests.
Canine Human Remains Detection – Land Type III (Non-Disaster Operations): This is a Human Remains Detection examination and certification with a material
source of between 5 and 14 grams inclusive. This examination consists of 5 search
stations. These stations are elevated, surface, buried, blank, and vehicles.
This examination meets or exceeds the criteria of FEMA 508-8 Typed Resource Definitions
– Search and Rescue Resources 11/14/2005.
Canine Human Remains Detection – Land Type IV (Non-Disaster Operations): This is a Human Remains Detection examination and certification with a material
source of between 5 and 14 grams inclusive. This examination is comprised of 4
search stations. These stations are elevated, surface, blank, and buried. This examination meets or exceeds the criteria of FEMA 508-8 Typed Resource Definitions
– Search and Rescue Resources 11/14/2005.
Canine Human Remains Detection – Land Type Other (Non-Disaster Operations): This is a Human Remains Detection examination and certification with a material
source of between 16 and 30 grams inclusive. This examination is comprised of
4 search stations. These stations are elevated, surface, blank, and buried. This examination meets or exceeds the criteria of FEMA 508-8 Typed Resource Definitions
– Search and Rescue Resources 11/14/2005.
Individual Practical Stations:
- Surface Station – The handler has 30 minutes to complete this station.
- Buried Station – The handler has 30 minutes to complete this station, buried 6-24 inches, 4
false holes
- Elevated Station – The handler has 30 minutes to complete this station. Elevated 5-6 feet.
- Vehicle Search Station – The handler has 12 minutes to complete this station. (only in Type III)
- Blank Station – The handler has 30 minutes to complete this station.
Clarification on Field Station Retesting
If a candidate fails two (2) field stations, the test will be stopped and the
candidate will receive a fail. All field stations must be retested.
If at any point the candidate fails the blank station, the test will be stopped
and the candidate will receive a fail. When retesting, all field stations must
be retested.
If a candidate calls a buried, surface or elevated station as the blank station,
but does not does not fail the blank station, when retesting the failed station
the candidate must also so repeat the blank station. For example: A candidate
fails to locate the buried source and informs the evaluator the area is ‘clear’
or blank. The candidate fails the buried station. The candidate proceeds to the
blank station and the candidate correctly calls this station as ‘clear’ or blank.
When retesting they must successfully complete both the buried and the blank stations
upon retesting.
Testing Criteria for the Canine Human Remains Detection (HRD) Land Search Dog:
Handler Skills
Is the handler adequately attired and equipped?
Did the handler develop the appropriate strategy based on information acquired?
Did the handler articulate the dog’s alerts/indications prior to entering the
field?
Did the handler interpret the dog’s alerts/indications while out in the field?
Did the handler articulate the dog’s final response?
Did the handler properly mark where their dog made its final response?
Was the handler able to justify their search tactics?
Did the handler call any false final responses demonstrated by their dog?
Is the handler in tune with their dog’s needs?
Dog Skills
Did the dog stay focused on the search?
Is the dog easily refocused after being distracted?
Did the dog alert/indicate on the scent source?
Was the dog’s final response within the distance prescribed for the station?
Did the dog make a self-directed find on the scent source?
Did the dog demonstrate its final response and direct the handler to the source?
Did the dog perform any false final responses?
Team Skills
Did the dog and handler make an effective team?
Did the dog demonstrate obedience through its reactions to handler commands?
Was the search completed within the time limit for the evaluation?
