Frequently Asked Questions

A private independent SAR/R K9 Team is a trained dog-handler unit operating outside of Law Enforcement or Government agencies. These teams are typically volunteers who are nationally certified through recognized SAR or HRD organizations.

Missing persons, lost hikers, dementia/wanders, despondent individuals, evidence searches, disaster deployments, water search/recovery, and more (Depending on Certification).

County Sheriff, Emergency Management Director (E.G. AZ DEM), Incident Commander, Fire Department Command Staff.

NO,

Self-Deployment is prohibited and creates liability and scene management issues.

YES,

* The team must notify the sheriff if the area is under official search.

* Cannot interfere with an active law enforcement case.

* Must have permission to enter private property.

NO,

Arizona does not designate a single required certification. Counties and emergency management may set their own acceptance standards,

YES,

After law enforcement has officially closed or suspended the search and are no longer on scene or actively conducting a SAR operation. If evidence or human remains are located Law Enforcement is to be notified immediately and the Private Team is to leave the Area once they are on site.