1	PSTI, Search and Rescue Academy Basic Tracking for SAR Module
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4	Search & Rescue A considerable amount of time can be saved if Tracking is initiated early in a search. Just a direction of travel can reduce the time it takes to effectively find the subject.
5	Tracking in General
6	Definition; “Tracking” Following sign or tracks left by someone or something, it is used to detect the path (direction, movement) of someone, something. The art of being able to locate, identify and pursue sign, and from intelligent interpretations and deductions, gain reasonably accurate information about the quarry concerned [ "The SAS Guide to Tracking", Bob Carss ]
7	Why Track Direction of Travel Consider the potential of a lost subject that can travel 2 mph. If the direction of travel is unknown, but the last known point [ LKP ] has been determined, theoretically, the subject could have traveled as follows:
8	Theoretical Search Area The maximum possible area within which the subject might be found. Calculated by the maximum possible distance the subject could have traveled in any direction from the “Last Known Point” [ LKP ] Must take into account the mode of travel, walking, driving, flying; (the speed of the subject).
9	Theoretical Search Area
10	"Travel Time" Travel Time Travel Distance Search Area 1 Hour 2 Miles 12.6 square miles 2 Hours 4 Miles 50.3 square miles 3 Hours 6 Miles 113.10 square miles 4 Hours 8 Miles 201.06 square miles 5 Hours 10 Miles 314.16 square miles 6 Hours 12 Miles 452.39 square miles
11	Theoretical Search Area
12	How Does “TSA” Relate To The Real World? Serves as a “Reality Check” Can be dramatically reduced by discovering a “Direction of Travel”. Limitations: Usually too large to be effectively searched. Mode of travel may change, for example, the Alzheimer’s patient found a ride. Subject may keep moving, so your “TSA” is ever expanding.
13	Why Track ? Imagine the effect on search management planning of being able to determine the direction of travel by using tracking to find the first few footprints. Isn't it worth investing 30 to 40 minutes at the last known point [ LKP ] to eliminate 85% of the potential search area. Investigative Tool Used for the collection of evidence Used to prove subject was in area.
14	Why Track ?
15	Tracking as a SAR Tool However tracking, when applied to SAR missions, becomes a more complex skill. It not only concerns itself with detection, but with interpretation of clues as well. Tracking is both an investigative strategy and an operational tactic SAR tool.
16	Tracking Benefits Can and should be applied early in the search mission to discover evidence Supplements existing search skills. Me more aware of clue possibilities Helps reduce the possible search area by establishing a direction of travel.
17	Tracking Deficits Tracking can be slow and tedious Requires trained and well seasoned trackers. Must locate a positive known track to start. Sometimes cannot be used due to long periods of time before tracking teams are notified. Previous search efforts may damage sign.
18	Anyone Can Track……… But….It takes: willingness to learn, patience, determination, hard work and practice "Dirt Time"
19	Equipment for Tracking Clothing, PPE (personal protective equipment) Tracking stick Tape measure Notepad/Pencil/Tracking Card Trail tape Flashlight Compass
20	Clothing PPE (personal protective equipment) Clothing should be appropriate for the weather and terrain. A broad brimmed hat for protecting the eyes from the sun, and shading tracks Safety glasses for the eyes Good well fitting boots The tracker must be able to work comfortably Knee pads to protect the knees when crawling on the ground.
21	Tracking Stick A light in weight, durable stick, approximately 40 inches long is best, this stick should have two "O" rings or rubber bands on it for measuring.
22	Tape Measure A measuring device, to measure from 3 to 6 foot long.
23	Notepad/Pencil/Tracking Card Tracking card A tracking note card specially designed for taking notes about tracks. For taking notes about the sign/track or operational assignments.
24	Tracking Note Card
25	Tracking Note Card
26	Completed Tracking Note Card
27	Trail Tape Suitable trail tape to mark the sign/tracks Also used to cordon-off evidence or sign to prevent damaging sign/tracks.
28	Flashlight To illuminate the sign/tracks during both day and night follow-ups. Small, light weight, your own personal choice.
29	Compass Some type of navigational equipment. Compass, GPS, Map.
30	Types of Tracking Track by Track Joel Hardin Locate and find each and every step Tactical Tracking David Scott-Donelan Visual tracking, law enforcement, military Tracking (pressure releases) Tom Brown Detailed study of pressure releases
31	Fundamental Tracking Principles A tracker must protect every sign. Any clue is important. Always be track aware. A tracker or searcher stepping on a good sign or track is inexcusable. Once a sign/track is destroyed it is gone forever. All sign/track are considered evidence. Tracking is not a race to see who finishes first. It is an exercise in accuracy and efficiency.
32	Tracking Teams
33	Advantages of Team Allows for consultation When training, it builds confidence, reduces errors, and benefits students by allowing verbal exchange of details. All members are cross trained in all team roles so they can be rotated to prevent fatigue. Allows the team to split up if several trails diverge. A team is self contained and provides all of its equipment needs. Helps relocate lost sign/tracks more efficiently. A team is versatile and can be used in other roles besides tracking.
34	3-4 Person Teams 3 person team, Point/tracker and a right and left flanker 4 person team, Controller/Team leader, a tracker, and a right and left flanker.
35	STSAR Team A 4 person team with the addition of a K9 and K9 handler.
36	3 Person Team
37	4 Person Team
38	STSAR Team
39	Team Positions Controller/Team Leader Point or Tracker Flankers
40	Controller/Team Leader Usually used in 4 person team or STSAR team. Responsible for movement of team Responsible for communications and navigation between team members and base camp. Maintains discipline in the team
41	Point or Tracker Stays just behind last track found Keeps flankers from obliterating sign Coordinates efforts of team in three person configuration.
42	Flankers Watch the side for incoming tracks that might confuse the situation Watch for sudden turn of trail being followed Help the Point/Tracker find the next track from their vantage point. In tactical tracking follow-ups responsible for the security of the team as well.
43	Team Considerations The team should practice together to maintain optimum results. The team should be equipped for self reliance in the field. The team members need to rotate their positions periodically to reduce eye strain and fatigue. Periodic rest periods should be used to counteract any overall fatigue that might disrupt the mission. Team members, space yourself several yards apart, but stay in visual and/or vocal contact. Do not allow unnecessary personnel in the area where sign is to be cut.
44	Questions So Far ?
45	Break
46	Sign
47	For Our Educational Purposes We will be dissecting the tracks, so we will be disturbing the tracks and sign for educational purposes throughout this class.
48	Definition "Evidence that a person, animal, or machinery has traveled this way, not limited to just footprints. Two types of sign. Top sign or Aerial sign, above the ankle Ground sign, below ankle
49	Two Types of Sign. Top sign or Aerial sign, above the ankle Ground sign, below ankle
50	Top Sign or Aerial Sign, Above the Ankle Changes in vegetation color. Unnatural vegetation position. Cutting of vegetation Disturbance of vegetation. Disarranged cobwebs. Bruised moss, trees, limbs, branches. Dew swept from vegetation Broken twigs, branches, and leaves. Scratches on trees. Birds or animals being startled.
51	Ground Sign, Below Ankle Foot and scuff marks Footprints Bruised or bleeding roots or vegetation. Disturbance to insect or animal life. Disturbed leaves, stones, sticks, twigs, worm casts, mole hills. Disturbance or color changes to ground vegetation. Mud, sand and soil transfer. Disturbed water Dew swept from vegetation. Flattening and color changes
52	Detecting Sign When to look. How to look Where to look Effects of light Tracking at night Phases of sign detection.
53	When to Look. The best time is when the sun is low, in morning or late afternoon. Tracking at night is possible and may be easier because the light source and its angle is controlled. Tracking midday is difficult and should be avoided if possible. It should be employed anytime a single piece of evidence is found.
54	How to Look Change your view from the big, overall picture to the small minute details Varying the focus can stimulate the eyes, periodically look up and away, can bring back perspective. Take your time don't miss anything. You may not get another chance. Let your eyes set the pace not your adrenaline charged feet.
55	Where to Look Start looking where sign is most likely to be found, start at [ LKP ], investigate it completely. Look where the person being sought spent enough time to leave evidence. Look where the person would have walked. Obviously sign/track is most easily seen in moist sand or firm moist mud. Muddy areas, salt flats, fields of high grass, river and creek banks, steep embankments, dusty roads or trails will show signs readily. Do not overlook the sides of paved roads. Game trails or travel aids such as fence lines or power lines, utility pipe lines. Periodically test the area by testing your own print.
56	Effects of Light Use the available light source to your advantage, face the sun and cut at a ninety degree angle to the direction of travel. Clouds diffuse the light. The sun overhead diminishes the shadow effect. Sign/track are usually easier to see facing the light source, with the light source being at a low angle to the ground. Move around into a position to optimize the angle to the light source.
57	Tracking at Night Artificial light source can be rotated completely around the track from a low angle to allow for the best view. If the lost person stops to rest, it allows trackers to catch up. There are not as many distractions at night. Your light source will focus your eyes and your attention. Beware: bright lights diminish your night vision. The ideal flashlight should be light in weight, durable, with a long battery life. Some trackers attach lights to their legs or tracking sticks to obtain the best angle.
58	Phases of Sign Detection. Whenever a person walks through an area evidence (sign/tracks) is left behind First phase is the detection of the sign Second phase is following sign/tracks, the follow-up.
59	Visual Cues, offer a specific attraction to seek, they serve well as the general categories of sign. Common disturbances Aging Visual Attractions
60	Common Disturbances Embedded soil particles Crushed/damaged vegetation. Sole patterns. Toe digs. Flattening. Buried or dislodged pebbles, sticks, or twigs. Color changes Outlines. Transfer. Examples:
61	Aging A process that allows the determination of how much time has gone by since the track was made. Usually due to environmental conditions. Difficult to teach, comes with practice.
62	Visual Attractions Outline or boundary, perimeter line around an area. Possible shape large enough to be a human print. Contrast or difference in color, texture, or shape from its surroundings. Color wavelength of light seen by the eye Texture change rough or smooth. Looking for cues rather than full prints allows tracker to see more and gather more information. Looking for something that does not belong. Look for abnormalities. Do not look for preconceived shapes or objects. Look for parts of the whole.
63	Parts of a Track Characteristics of footfalls Human gait Most generally when walking on flat ground, human tracks strike at heel and roll forwards to the toes. Cross section of a track
64	Characteristics of Footfalls Walking Fast Walk Jogging Running Mental/Physical states Heavy Loads Uphill Downhill
65	Walking Regular patterned impressions, equal depth and contact points.
66	Fast Walk Irregular heel strikes Deeper toe digs
67	Jogging Deep toe digs. Longer stride. Light heel strikes are common.
68	Running Irregular stride. Deeper heel strikes Deep toe digs. Skid marks if in a panicked state of mind. Poorly placed footfalls.
69	Mental/Physical States Stride can change with mental state of person. Tired or physically challenged persons may have a shorter pace and tend to display drag marks. Seriously injured person may be on their hands and knees.
70	Heavy Loads Footfalls maybe placed closer together. Prints will be deeper. Subject may take easier more direct paths. Drag marks may be apparent.
71	Uphill Side of foot may be visible due to going uphill at a angle. Toe digs may be visible Heel strikes may be non existent Stride shortens when going uphill. Steeper the slope the closer the footfalls. Vegetation will be pushed uphill.
72	Downhill Stride lengthens when going downhill. Heel strikes may be the only part visible. Vegetation will be pushed downhill Maybe signs of sliding or skid marks.
73	Human Gait Direction of travel Straddle Stride Width of track Length of track Pitch
74	Questions So Far ?
75	Break
76	Characteristics of Sign: Sign may be identified by one or more of the following: REGULARITY, lines shapes arches pressed into the soil which is not normally seen in nature. FLATTENING, leveling or depression of soil TRANSFER, the deposit carried forward over an area the subject moved from one environment to another. ( soil, mud, water, oil, blood, etc. ) COLOR CHANGE, difference in color of objects that surrounds the sign DISCARDABLES, gum wrappers, cigarette butts, etc. DISTURBANCES, change or rearrangements to the natural state.
77	Disturbances Example Embedded debris/pebbles
78	Disturbance Example Crushed vegetation
79	Disturbance Examples Vegetation damage
80	Disturbance Examples Vegetation damage
81	Disturbance Examples Track Pattern (Bare Soil)
82	Disturbance Examples Track Pattern (Mud)
83	Disturbance Examples Toe dig
84	Disturbance Examples Track Pattern (Gravel)
85	Disturbance Examples Track Pattern (Concrete)
86	Disturbance Examples Track Pattern (shine)
87	Disturbance Examples Athletic Shoe In Wet Sand
88	Disturbance Examples Bare Foot In Wet Sand
89	Disturbance Examples Child’s Print In Wet Sand
90	Disturbance Examples Moist Soil
91	Disturbance Examples Dry Soil
92	Disturbance Examples Creek Bed
93	Disturbance Examples Creek Bed Under Water
94	Disturbance Examples Swampy Soil
95	Disturbance Examples Dry Soil
96	Disturbance Examples Dry Soil
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99	Tracking Functions
100	Labeling Tracks Trail tape Flags Marks
101	Trail Tape Small piece in or outside each track Used to flag last known positive track.
102	Flags Small upright flags placed in or outside of tracks Used to flag last known positive track
103	Marks Marks drawn in soil to indicate tracks Circle full tracks Semi-circle with right/left print identifier.
104	Labeling Tracks
105	Track ID Measurement Sketch Notes Communication Tracking Note Card Photography
106	Measurement Measurements of specific parts of a print can separate one track from another. Size of the print can help determine the size of the subject.... or can it?
107	Sketch Sketching a print can help others to know what print to look for. Serves as a memory jogger. May be used as evidence in a court of law.
108	Notes Lug sizes, areas of wear or patterns can distinguish one print from others. Several prints in a row can determine stride length and direction of travel.. Details
109	Details Length and width of print and heel. Number and type of lugs. Number or spacing of stitches/nail holes. Shape of leading edge of heel. Shape of toe. Specific shape of marks in pattern. Specific way of walking, dragging, scuffing, toes in or out, etc. Tendencies or trends in where the subject walks, over around or through obstacles. Wear marks, cuts, unique details.
110	Communication Periodic Status reports should be done with Search Management. If multiple tracker teams are being used in the follow-up constant communication between teams should be attained. Keep in mind who might overhear the communication. Predetermined radio traffic reports or Situation Reports ( SITREP's ) can be used.
111	Tracking Note Card Length of print ( heel to toe ) Width of print at widest point Length of heel back to front Width of heel. Distinctive marks made by sole or heel. Logos or writing Wear marks Sketch the sole patterns.
112	Photography Photographing a track is a good idea but should not replace a sketch. A drawing brings details to the attention of the tracker. Subtle marks may not be visible in a photo. An excellent text book on techniques in photographing tracks is " Footwear Impression Evidence 2nd Edition, by William Bodziak".
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114	Tracking Methods Step by Step Jump Tracking Tracking Stick Tactical/Visual Tracking Sign Cutting Lost Track Recovery Methods
115	Step by Step Trackers observe and identify each and every track. Leaves little doubt as to tracking the right subject. Often times a Tracking Stick is used to aid the follow-up procedure. Using the Tracking Stick. Find or make a stick approximately 40 inches long. Place two rubber bands or "O" rings on the end of the stick to measure track length and stride. To determine the stride of the person you are tracking measure the distance from the heel of the back print to the heel of the front print. Position the rubber bands or "O" rings appropriately. Place the other marker to show length of track. On the last print found hold the stick so the stride mark is held close to the heel. Move the tip of the stick in a sweeping arc which covers the area where the next track should be. During the sweep the point of the stick should indicate where the track should fall. Use slow sweeping motion. Slow and tedious. Can incorporate the "Jump Tracking" method to decrease the time/distance gap. Jump Tracking
116	Jump Tracking
117	Jump Tracking
118	Jump Tracking
119	Jump Tracking
120	Using the Tracking Stick. Find or make a stick approximately 40 inches long. Place two rubber bands or "O" rings on the end of the stick to measure track length and stride. To determine the stride of the person you are tracking measure the distance from the heel of the back print to the heel of the front print. Position the rubber bands or "O" rings appropriately. Place the other marker to show length of track. On the last print found hold the stick so the stride mark is held close to the heel. Move the tip of the stick in a sweeping arc which covers the area where the next track should be. During the sweep the point of the stick should indicate where the track should fall. Use slow sweeping motion.
121	Using the Tracking Stick.
122	Tactical/Visual Tracking Used in Military and Law enforcement Operations. Sometimes used in SAR missions with and without K9's A faster paced visual tracking method Trackers observe 20 to 30 feet ahead of themselves. Usually uses 4 person teams or STSAR teams.
123	Sign Cutting Initially, tracking can be used effectively to find clues. When prints have not yet been discovered, searching for a starting point is sometimes called " SIGN CUTTING"
124	Consider using "Perimeter Sign Cutting" The purpose is to discover sign at a farther distance from the last sign. This cut can range from several yards to several miles depending on the terrain and how long the person has been missing. The shape can be any size but the loop must be completed even if sign is found. If no sign is found, no one has been in there. Use natural barriers, areas where sign/track are easily seen. Do not allow anyone to walk or drive into area. Each cut should be made carefully.
125	Perimeter Sign Cut Sign Cutters cut a perimeter around a natural boundary, if no sign goes into the area the subject has probably not entered the area
126	Perimeter Sign Cut This eliminates an entire area without searching by grid. A tactic such as this can save a considerable amount of time.
127	Lost Track Recovery Methods Look First Re-asses the direction of travel Change your position from standing to kneeling. Consider the Tracking stick. It gives you a guide that may point out the next track. Cast out in a circular manner First 15 to 20 feet from last known track. 2nd farther out 15-20 yards. Banks of creeks or rivers. Look on both sides of roads and trails.
128	Further Considerations Only a tracker decides when not to use tracking. Don't think that tracking will always work, but focus on it when it will. Tracking is most effective when used within an efficient management scheme. All searchers must be track aware. Don't give up and always consider the subject is evading.
129	"The most experienced trackers should..." The most experienced trackers should cut sign and continue in a method appropriate to the type of search, ( step by step, visual, jump tracking ). From subject profiles determine what size print and approximate stride. Keep others away to avoid confusion and destruction of evidence. Consider using "Perimeter Sign Cutting" Get the most recent maps available, USGS 7.5 minute topo maps are good for foot travel. Get as much information about the lost subject as you can.
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131	In about every discussion about tracking I have been involved in, the topic of deception or anti-tracking comes up. “The methods used by the subject being tracked to throw off or cover up their tracks”. Speed/Distance Concealment or disguise of tracks. Other methods used.
132	Speed/Distance CONCEPT: Trying to put as much distance between the tracker and the quarry. Speed can increase more obvious sign/track left. Some tracking tactics can reduce this time/distance gap quickly.
133	Concealment or Disguise of Tracks. Brushing out tracks Restoring vegetation. Traveling on hard or stoney ground. Traveling on or in waterways. Foot coverings. Changing footwear. Walking backwards Walking along heavily used common paths. Quick direction changes.
134	Brushing Out Tracks It is doubtful that the subject can brush out all the sign from start to finish.
135	Restoring Vegetation. Sometimes hard to do without leaving more sign/track.
136	Traveling on Hard or Stoney Ground. One of the most effective. Well seasoned trackers can still pick up sign/track. Consider that the subject will probably still have to leave this type of terrain eventually.
137	Traveling on or in Waterways. Look for disturbances Look for transfer. Look for where the subject left the water.
138	Foot Coverings. Evidence should be picked up by seasoned trackers.
139	Changing Footwear. Evidence should be picked up by seasoned trackers.
140	Walking Backwards Look for reversed impact points. Stride will be closer together. Pressure releases will appear unbalanced.
141	Walking Along Heavily Used Common Paths. One of the most difficult to overcome. Requires careful examination.
142	Quick Direction Changes. Need to use lost sign/track procedures to regain follow-up.
143	Other Methods Used. There are other methods used to reduce the amount of sign/track visible to the tracker, but we will not study these areas in this basic presentation.
144	Conclusion
145	Rules of Tracking POSITIVELY identify the tracks you want to follow. Mark or flag the starting point. Never walk on or destroy sign/track Do not get ahead of your last known track. Know exactly where you are ( Navigation ). Keep in visual contact with your teammates. Try to anticipate your subject(s) Know where your last known Positive track was.
146	Tips/Suggestions Sign/Track Observation Journal Training Aids Aging setup
147	Credits "Tracking a blueprint for learning how", by Jack Kearney, Pathway Press, 1996 Universal Tracking Services, Joel Hardin NASAR: Fundamentals of Search. "The SAS guide to Tracking", by Bob Carss, 2000, The Lyons Press. "Tactical Tracking Operations", by David Scott-Donelan, 1998, Paladin Press "The Science Art of Tracking", by Tom Brown Jr. "Footwear Impression Evidence" 2nd edition, by William Bodziak
148	The Goal This then is the ultimate goal in training SAR workers to track. Not to become expert, but to be "TRACK AWARE". To become aware that it is virtually impossible for a person to through an area without leaving substantial evidence of his/her passing.
149	Wait ! I know your going to ask when we get out in the field, so let’s cover it now………
150	Bonus “Animal Tracks”
151	Bonus “Animal Tracks” Cat Track
152	Badger Badger Track
153	White-tailed Deer Deer Track
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155	Domestic Dog Dog Track
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157	Fox Fox track
158	Otter Otter Track
159	Owl Owl Track
160	Pheasant Pheasant Track
161	Rabbit Rabbit Track
162	Raccoon Raccoon
163	Rat Rat Track
164	Squirrel Squirrel Track
165	Weasel Weasel Track
166	Congratulations
167	Ted Fisher Email: fisher_ted22@hotmail.com
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170	The End