A MSAR man-tracker looks for possible tracks made by a missing person or persons.  The man-tracker is used to identify possible directions to follow and also points of entry that a K-9 Unit may want to follow.  MSAR utilizes the best man-trackers in the world – these are individuals that are born and raised on the land – they are the Aboriginal guides and trackers.  MSAR has regional trackers that know every bush or road or back way possible into a community and no outside person can out search an experienced local.  

It is a common knowledge that understanding clue awareness and tracking are integral skills necessary for successful search missions.  Tracking is not the be-all or end-all of searching, but it is an important tool to have at one’s disposal.

Our MSAR man trackers teach our ground teams to:

o   improve their senses while on the search mission
o   to make them more aware of tracks and sign
o   to educate them on what to do once sign has been found.

Each class uses professional classroom presentations and low student-to-instructor ratio field exercises to teach individual and tactical approaches to finding, following and interpreting tracks and signs by addressing and practicing the following topics:

Tracking tools

Aboriginal traditional tracking and it’s uses
Signcutting team tactics
Aging tracks and sign
Footwear Identification
Pressure releases
Animal tracks and sign
Signcutting at night
Backtracking for clues
Various ground covers
Logbook guidelines
PLS/LKP approach
Find-scene preservation
General awareness: use of all senses
Management of signcutting resources
Detection and management of evasive subjects
Pros and cons of using modern technology in tracking
Visual tracking integration w/ other search resources including canine teams