Basic Search Strategies

• Search quickly - do not wait for them to return. Call 911 quickly.
• Use as many resources as you can so you can find them before them while they are still walking.
• Initially, focus on populated areas near where the person was last seen (1 - 5 mile radius).
• Cover an area of increasing circumference around where the person was last seen. Start with 1 mile and go out to 5 miles.
• Wandering outside a radius of 5 miles is unusual, but not usually associated with death, so a less intense search is needed.
• Search carefully:
  • Lost persons rarely seek help after they are lost, so you must be actively searching in order to find them.
  • Even when searchers are very near to them, they will not respond, but will remain secluded.
  • You must almost "trip over them" to find them.
  • Walking searches are most effective.
  • Search all streets and highways, residential yards and easily accessible buildings.
  • Continue searching throughout the night.

Extended Search Strategies

If the person is not found within 6 - 12 hours, shift the search to secluded/natural areas (1 mile radius). This search should begin within 24 hours.

• Use community alerts judiciously.
• Search natural, secluded areas using intensive search strategies.
• Intensify the search within a half mile radius of the residence.
• Move the search radius out to 1-2 miles and search same area again.
• If they left in their car:
  • First find the car - use aerial search techniques as often the person will drive the car into a remote location, such as wood or fields.
  • Then intensively search around the car within a 1 mile radius as they often will walk away from the car, but do not get far.