Interviewing Witnesses on a Search

    These general guidelines are intended for trail blocks, trail sweeps, and other field searchers who may encounter potential witnesses during a search. Additional instructions will be given to you for specific assignments. Be sure that you receive a thorough briefing for each assignment, and that you understand all instructions and other relevant information before starting your task.

 Overview

 In addition to searching for the subject, you are looking for all backcountry users who may have information that assists the search effort. This includes “relevant negatives”, i.e., a failure to find clues where they should be. For example, knowing how many hikers traveled a particular segment of trail may be important, even if they saw no one. You are not expected to do in-depth interviews, so significant witnesses will usually be interviewed in more detail by the Investigations Unit; in that case your primary task will be to get complete re-contact info. Trail block data is  essential to the success of the search.

 Equipment (May vary with the assignment.)

 Incident Action Plan (IAP). The IAP includes your chain of command, task assignment, subject information, and the communications plan, among other information. Updates will be transmitted to you as they become available.

Subject description (handout, with photo if possible)

Witness interview forms (enough copies for the expected traffic) and pens.

Interview maps. As selected by Command Post—these maps may cover zones other than your sector.

Barrier tape, flagging tape, light sticks, p-cord, watch, chair, clipboards, etc. for setting up checkpoints.

Radio and cell phone (depending on coverage).

Support-equipment: food, water, overnight, bad weather, etc.

Bear canisters may be required for food storage.

Take extra supplies for an unplanned extension of your task.

Anti-boredom kit (left to your imagination).  

If at a backcountry location, be prepared to walk out, regardless of what you are promised.

 Trailblock Location

 Your checkpoint may be well outside the search perimeter, e.g. at a distant trailhead.

Mark the checkpoint to make it difficult for trail users to miss you.

If necessary, allow room for two-way traffic, including stock.

While on duty, do not sleep or wander from your checkpoint.

 Scope of work

 Depending on the incident, your assignment may vary as follows:

 Interview only users entering the area, or those exiting, or both.

Interview day users only, overnight users, or both.

Interview party members individually or as a group.

Focus on a specific backcountry area or all areas served by the checkpoint.

Limit interviews to a certain date-range or include all dates.

Quick interviews only (e.g. hasty team, dog team), or extensive, detailed interviews (e.g., trail block, investigators).

Staff your checkpoint for specific hours or around the clock.

 Interview procedure

 Identify yourself as an SAR representative.

Explain your purpose. Ask permission for an interview.

If the witness is hesitant, explain that his/her cooperation is completely voluntary but may be very important to the success of the search.

Explain the importance of relevant negatives: Even seeing no one at all in a given area may help to focus our search efforts.

 Use the interview form provided by Command Post.

Stick to the selection criteria (scope, as above) assigned by Command Post.

Review your interview notes before releasing the witness.

Be sure all witness information is legible, unambiguous, and complete.

Double-check spelling of re-contact information.

Be sure the party knows how to contact the Investigations Unit (e.g., phone, e-mail, website).

Clarify info received from last contact while awaiting next contact. (Is your handwriting legible?)

If required, get full contact information for at least two persons in the party, including the permit holder (if applicable):

Name, address, e-mail, home, work & cell phone numbers.
How to reach them before they get home: Lodging in or near the area, trip schedule, etc.
(If necessary, explain that we may want to ask them additional questions on short notice,
so having several ways to contact them is important.)  

Get a brief description of the party interviewed, for example: two adult males, one adult female,  approx. ages, appearance (ethnic type, equipment that might stand out).

 In rare cases you may be assigned to digitally photograph each party, with their permission.

 Entering parties

Give subject description to the party. Ask them to share this information with others they meet. Ask them to watch for the subject and to report any clues they notice, e.g., unattended camps, packs, or other gear, even if those clues do not match your current information.

 Exiting parties

Get the party’s basic itinerary: Dates, times, trail segments followed, places camped.

 Ask about weather, trail conditions, stream conditions, other parties seen, as requested by Command Post.

 If necessary, use a map for the interview, preferably the same map carried by the party.

In some cases Command Post may ask you to immediately provide each party with the subject's description/photo.

 In other cases you may be requested to withhold subject information until the party has described everyone they remember, to avoid "tainting" their memories.

 Reporting your information

If you contact anyone who may have seen the missing party or may have other important information (as determined by your specific instructions), ask the party to wait, and contact your Command Post immediately.

 Less significant information may be reported according to the schedule in your assignment, for example: hourly or at end of shift.

Do not assign witness or clue priority by yourself—follow the guidelines given to you for your specific assignment. If in doubt, notify your Command Post.

 If you feel you may have high-priority information and you are kept waiting by Command Post, don't be patient. Make it very clear that you need a response.

Watch your span of control. If you have more work than you can handle, request help.