Person Search

Introduction

The search for persons is one of the most important tasks of police dog units. Specially trained person detection dogs can track down fugitives even under the most difficult conditions and thus contribute to solving crimes. This task requires highly specialized dogs, experienced dog handlers and close coordination with other police forces.

The success rate of searches depends on numerous factors: the quality of training, weather conditions, the time that has passed since the escape, the type of terrain and the close cooperation between dog, dog handler and operations management.

What is Person Search?

Person search refers to the systematic search for wanted persons using specially trained police dogs. These dogs are trained to track and locate the individual scent of a person. In contrast to missing person searches, person search focuses on the apprehension of criminals or fugitives.

Distinction from Missing Person Search

While missing person searches are conducted for persons in need of help, person search focuses on:

• Fugitive criminals
• Suspected persons
• Witnesses evading justice
• Persons with arrest warrants
• Escaped prisoners

Methods of Person Search

Person search can be conducted in various ways, depending on the situation, terrain conditions and available information. The most important methods are:

Mantrailing

Mantrailing is the most precise method of person search. The dog follows the individual scent of a specific person by receiving a scent article (e.g., clothing item, object). This method is particularly effective in urban areas and in clearly defined search areas.

Advantages of Mantrailing in Searches:

• Very high precision
• Suitable for urban environments
• Can work even with older trails
• Very specific (no confusion)
• Low false alarm rate

Disadvantages of Mantrailing:

• Requires scent article of the wanted person
• Time-consuming in large areas
• Weather-dependent (rain, wind)

Area Search

In area search, the dog systematically searches a larger area for human scents. This method is used when the exact path of the wanted person is unknown or when multiple dogs work in parallel.

Deployment Areas of Area Search:

• Forests and difficult terrain
• Open fields and meadows
• Mountainous terrain
• Industrial areas
• Abandoned buildings

Advantages of Area Search:

• No scent article required
• Rapid coverage of large areas
• Suitable for difficult terrain
• Multiple dogs can work in parallel

Building Search

Building search is a special form of search in which the dog systematically searches buildings, rooms and hiding places. This method is frequently used when searching for fugitives in building complexes.

Deployment Scenarios of Building Search:

• Search of residential buildings
• Search in industrial facilities
• Search of warehouses
• Search in tunnel systems
• Search of vehicles

Legal Foundations of Person Search

Person search is subject to strict legal requirements that regulate both the rights of the wanted person and the powers of the police.

Code of Criminal Procedure (StPO)

The Code of Criminal Procedure regulates the legal foundations for search measures:

• § 127 StPO: Provisional Arrest
• § 163 StPO: Search Measures
• § 163b StPO: Public Search
• § 163c StPO: Search for Witnesses

State Police Laws

The police laws of the federal states regulate danger prevention and preventive search measures:

• Danger prevention in acute threats
• Preventive measures to prevent crimes
• Search powers
• Identity verification

Data Protection

Data protection regulations must be observed in person search:

• Storage of personal data
• Sharing of information
• Deletion of data after successful search
• Rights of affected persons

Training for Person Search

The training of dogs for person search is a lengthy and demanding process that requires special skills.

Basic Training

Basic training for person search includes:

1. Scent Recognition: The dog learns to recognize and distinguish individual human scents
2. Trail Tracking: The dog learns to follow a scent trail
3. Indication Behavior: The dog learns to correctly indicate found persons
4. Environmental Safety: The dog learns to work in various environments

Specialized Training

Specialized training for person search includes:

• Mantrailing: Precise tracking of an individual scent trail
• Area Search: Systematic search in large areas
• Building Search: Search of buildings and rooms
• Traffic Safety: Work in urban environments

Continuing Education

Regular continuing education is essential for person search dogs:

• Monthly training sessions
• Regular examinations
• Post-mission debriefings
• Further training for dog handlers

Deployment Scenarios of Person Search

Person search is used in various situations, depending on the type of crime and available information.

Search for Fugitive Criminals

The search for fugitive criminals is one of the most common deployment scenarios. This involves searching for persons who have evaded arrest after committing a crime.

Typical Situations:

• Escape after a burglary
• Escape after a robbery
• Escape after assault
• Escape after a traffic accident

Special Challenges:

• Time-critical deployment
• Unknown escape area
• Possible weapons
• Coordination with other police forces

Search for Witnesses

The search for witnesses occurs when important witnesses cannot be found or are evading justice.

Typical Situations:

• Witnesses who cannot be reached
• Witnesses who are hiding
• Witnesses who have left the country
• Witnesses who have been threatened

Search for Escaped Prisoners

The search for escaped prisoners is a particularly critical situation that requires immediate measures.

Special Measures:

• Immediate alerting of all available forces
• Cordon of the escape area
• Search of hiding places
• Coordination with correctional facilities

Success Factors in Person Search

The success of a person search depends on numerous factors that affect both technical capabilities and organizational aspects.

Time Factor

The time factor is of decisive importance in person searches:

• First Hour: Highest probability of success (85%)
• First 24 Hours: Very high probability of success (75%)
• First 48 Hours: High probability of success (60%)
• After 48 Hours: Decreasing probability of success

Reasons for the Time Factor:

• Scent trails fade over time
• Wanted persons move further away
• Weather conditions can deteriorate
• Witness statements become less accurate

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions have a significant influence on the success of person searches:

Favorable Conditions:

• Dry weather
• Light wind
• Moderate temperatures
• Good visibility

Unfavorable Conditions:

• Heavy rain (washes away scent trails)
• Strong wind (disperses scent trails)
• Extreme temperatures (heat or cold)
• Fog or poor visibility

Terrain Conditions

Terrain conditions influence the effectiveness of the search:

Suitable Terrain:

• Urban areas (mantrailing)
• Forests with clear paths
• Open fields
• Structured buildings

Difficult Terrain:

• Dense undergrowth
• Rocky terrain
• Water surfaces
• Industrial areas with many scents

Quality of Training

The quality of training of dog and dog handler is decisive:

• Regular training
• Realistic practice scenarios
• Continuous further education
• Experience in various situations

Coordination and Cooperation

Successful person search requires close coordination between various units and authorities.

Internal Coordination

Internal coordination includes:

• Operations Management: Central coordination of all forces
• Dog Units: Specialized search teams
• Patrol Cars: Cordon and control
• Helicopters: Air support
• Deployment Teams: Search of buildings

External Coordination

External coordination includes:

• Public Prosecutor's Office: Legal instructions
• Correctional Facilities: Information about escapees
• Other Police Authorities: Cross-regional search
• Rescue Services: Medical care during arrest

Communication

Effective communication is crucial:

• Radio Communication: Coordination of forces
• Databases: Comparison with search data
• Public Relations: Search appeals
• Press Work: Strategic information

Safety Aspects in Person Search

Person search involves various safety risks that must be considered.

Risks for Dog Handlers

Dog handlers are exposed to various risks during search operations:

• Weapons: Wanted persons can be armed
• Aggressive Behavior: Fugitives can become violent
• Difficult Terrain: Risk of injury during search
• Psychological Stress: Stress and pressure during operations

Risks for Dogs

Dogs are also exposed to risks during search operations:

• Injuries: From difficult terrain
• Poisoning: From dangerous substances
• Overload: From long operations
• Stress: From loud noises and crowds

Protective Measures

Various protective measures can minimize the risks:

• Protective Equipment: For dog handlers and dogs
• Risk Assessment: Before each operation
• Emergency Plans: For various scenarios
• Medical Care: Immediately available

Documentation and Post-Processing

Careful documentation and post-processing are essential for the continuous improvement of search work.

Operation Documentation

Operation documentation includes:

• Operation Report: Detailed description of the operation
• Photos and Videos: Visual documentation
• Maps and Sketches: Terrain description
• Witness Statements: Relevant information

Debriefing

The debriefing serves analysis and improvement:

• Success Factors: What worked?
• Problems: What didn't work?
• Improvement Suggestions: How can it be better?
• Training: What exercises are necessary?

Statistics and Evaluation

Regular statistics help with optimization:

• Success Rates: According to various criteria
• Operation Times: Average duration
• Weather Conditions: Influence on success
• Terrain Types: Success in various areas