Tracking is probably the single most important skill any professional searcher
can have. It is the single, most important skill that can help a searcher find
clues. (And clues lead to the lost person.) A well trained tracking team can
make the difference between a "well meaning" search team with good intentions,
but few results, and a cohesive, effective search team than produces results.
Learning to follow sign is not an easy task. As expressed by Ab Taylor, Jack
Kearney and Joel Hardin the best way to learn, is to follow a trail, step by
step. This is not an easy thing to do, (especially when you are having a hard
time finding the next print, but can see one several feet ahead).
Tracking takes patience, self discipline, concentration and a true desire to
want to learn. This is not a skill that is easily mastered. It takes hours
(hundreds) to master, yet even after your first ten to twenty hours
the difference in ones ability to "see" sign is noticeable.
Learning to follow or find, sign can be a very humbling procedure. There is
little than can compare to the frustration of not being able to find the "next"
print in a natural track trap. (A track trap area is excellent learning
ground). You know that there is a print somewhere but you just can't find it.
The next ten to fifteen minutes, that are spent looking for that elusive print
becomes one session, of many, of the best learning that will occur.
To learn to track is a time consuming process. To start, you must learn the
basics of the theory. This is the easy part, as the theory is not hard to
master. Now comes the hard part. Putting that theory into practice. This is
best done if your tracking team can work with an experienced person.
Human Tracker Discussion Forum (SARBC sponsored)
Clinical Gait Analysis
Universal Tracking Services (UTS) : To find out much more about tracking, and see what the Universal Tracking Services (UTS) tracker training is all about, follow the link to the UTS page. http://www.utstrackingservices.com The first tracking site on the net - 1995
Del Morris, a highly respected contributor to forums on tracking, sent the following links and descriptions along to me. I must agree there are several very good sites available, and they are linked below. Del's comments follow. Thanks Del!
Your Page Title Heading on your http://www.sarbc.org/indexl.html page
implies that UTS may be a 'standard' and the only source of information about
Tracking: Tracking Standards
& Info , and link to Universal Tracking Services. changed!
While UTS offers us so much, you may find
additional value in adding some items to your http://www.sarbc.org/track.html page.
I call to your attention a large quantity of other
information sources for learning the art of humans tracking humans.
Please consider updating your Tracking Standards & Info page to reflect
more completely what is happening out in the tracking world.
Del Morris
Bob Brady's Tracking Page : Snohomish County Volunteer
Search & Rescue
http://home1.gte.net/tracku2/tracking_intro.htm
Footwear & Tire Track Impression Evidence : Resources for Footwear
& Tire Track Impression Examiners featuring Contact Information, Links,
References, and Databases. Instructions are provided for some of the key
impression recovery methods. Information is provided for training courses and
suppliers.
http://members.aol.com/varfee/mastssite/index.html
International Society of Professional Trackers : ISPT is a worldwide
organization for the purpose of connecting all kinds of trackers. Connection
means a newsletter, a website, a directory and any other way of communicating we
(all ISPT members) can think up as we grow. The benefits of connecting will be
to share knowledge and interest in tracking and to further the use of tracking
for deadly serious things like law enforcement and Search and Rescue to animal
tracking for both serious trackers and those who are just interested in the
art.
http://www.ispt.org/
Kim's Web Site - aka The "Bear" :
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/7076/humans.html
Tracking and Signcutting Club : Discussion of all forms of tracking or
signcutting
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/trackingandsigncuttingclub
Mountain Trackers Association : Mountain Trackers Association is a
organization that teaches and promotes tracking within the general Law
Enforcement and Emergency Service Communities, and provides on sight assistance
upon request as the needs of the members department or agency will allow.
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/3203/
Pacific Northwest Trackers Association : The Pacific Northwest Trackers
Search and Rescue group is part of the Pacific Northwest Trackers Association.
The Association is a non-profit organization in the State of Washington, however
there are members from the other Pacific NW states as well. The PNW Trackers are
a member of the King County Search and Rescue Association (KCSARA) in Washington
State. http://pacificnwtrackers.ourmail.com/
Southwest Association of Trackers : For the study, research,
dissemination, and practical application of the art and science of tracking for
law enforcement, search & rescue, and nature awareness
http://www.cia-g.com/~owen/WNM-SARTA.htm
Tactical Tracking Operations School : Tactical Tracking Operations School
(TTOS) specializes in training officers from police, corrections and military
agencies in aggressive man-tracking (combat tracking) techniques leading to the
recovery of armed and dangerous fugitives operating in remote, sparsely
populated areas. http://members.aol.com/mantrack
SAR Trackers eGroup - This
is an On-Line "Special Interest Group" (SIG) of people interested in visually
tracking their subjects in search and rescue. Interest in this field of
study is NOT limited to members of SAR Units. We are focused on mantracking
in all SAR applications ... from a PLS approach and possible crime scene
investigation to the intense pursuit of a lost/missing/overdue subject that may
be down and unresponsive. http://www.egroups.com/group/SAR_Trackers
