Multiple clear prints
Classroom instruction ended and the night search began. Our Fleeing Felon was sent out with the "paint ball gun and a bunch of firecrackers we didn't even know about. He was to evade us and if he could get behind us (if we made a mistake)
he was looking for the opportunity to "scare us silly".
out of place clay or dirt
on vegetation
Broken vegetation
clear dirt print
Muddy single print
Our search leader was Vince Hester, Managing Director of
LETS, International
and a veteran of this tracking stuff for approximately 35 years. In the dark of night (well there was a full moon) Vince called us together and gave our briefing - most important things were silence (not to give away our position), acute observation (looking for first track/s to establish direction of travel, turns, cutoffs, etc. and non verbal (no noise) communication. It is much easier to see things in the daylight for sure - and the whole time we are night man tracking - I couldn't help but think of all the ways this "felony track" was boosting my skills and ability to assist any lost or missing persons. The tension was pretty high, none of us wanted to get hit by that darn paint ball - but even more important, we did not want to fail this final.
Following all directions as best as we could - we began the search - it was a pretty spooky feeling knowing the person you are looking for is possibly watching your every move and just waiting for the opportunity to strike..
Thanks to our Great Leader - Bwana - "The Big Dog" Vince
, we not only "got our man" but did it without a shot being fired. The search probably took us a couple of hours (not sure of the exact time) and it taught me how much could be done under emergency situations night or day, with or without a dog - although I have to say - I am so very thankful I have a dog's nose on my side.
An extremely successful
"Fleeing Felon Night Search"
We all had reason to be proud.
for information on upcoming seminars through Law Enforcement Training Specialist - click here
for information on past trips with photos - click here
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A personal thanks to those who sent pictures for this web site
