THE ROLE OF THE SEARCH OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

The Search Operations Coordinator is the individual in charge of the physical search for a missing child. This is a difficult position as this individual must work under the direction of the Primary Contact who will be working under the direction of the investigating police service.

The Search Operations Coordinator is responsible for:

• Assisting the investigating police service in physical searches;

• Becoming the leader for volunteers on the ground;

• Ensuring all pieces of information are recorded using the Information Tracking Sheet and forwarded to the Administrative Coordinator;

• Keeping track of areas searched using maps; and

• Ensuring that all volunteers are equipped to understand what evidence is, not to touch or move evidence, and how to alert the Search Operations Coordinator to the evidence.

Depending on the type of missing child case, the Search Operations Coordinator may have a large job or a small job. If police presence is low, the Search Operations Coordinator may have more freedom, and greater responsibility. If police presence is high, the Search Operations Coordinator must work in consultation with the investigating police service and adhere to their direction.