Volunteers are the most valuable aspect of SAR. In addition to reducing the strain on state and local police departments to man these operations, volunteering provides resources in many cases where resources are generally scarce and in some cases non existent. The past few years have taken a toll on employment numbers across the nation. Law enforcement particularly has seen an all time low in recruits/new hires. This topic is an obvious controversial one with political, financial & social dynamics directly affecting this. But one aspect of government that will never change is that private contractors and volunteers will always be the unsung heroes and difference makers when it comes to producing answers. The mere lack of red tape for 3rd parties increases results. A volunteer is also less likely to have an “on the clock” attitude thus leading to higher productivity and awareness of the task at hand. I know, I know. But this is a bitter reality and a beautiful light into the benefits of volunteers. I will always be an advocate for volunteers as my passion was developed and my career was defined by volunteering. I have worked alongside some of the most decorated SAR agents in the country and they all ring the same tune “Volunteers are everything”. My mentor, one of the nations top SAR reps detective Jay Schline has been instrumental on the topic of volunteering. On any given search, detective Schline may get 50 to 60 volunteers to lend their eyes and ears.“I can call them two, three o'clock in the morning and I will get a response. I’ve never not gotten a response from our resources. Always there to help,” Schline said.The volunteers the detective relies on are not just volunteers but trained volunteers.Volunteers pay for their own training and their own equipment out of their own pocket. Priceless.
When taking cold cases into account: volunteers, private companies and non profits are the only route to answers. Cold cases are COLD because there is no valid leads for LEO to work with. LEO have to justify their use of resources in order to better serve the public. And rightfully so! A case runs cold, the departments resources have to be redirected. But the "Lack of Red Tape" for outsiders paves the way for volunteers to make a difference. I know cold case detectives that are so overworked and the sheer number of cold cases that are on the shelf is mind blowing. There can never be enough help. But the importance of that help being professional is key. There is a fine line when dealing with cases and evidence.
If you are currently a SAR volunteer I want to thank you for your service. If you are thinking about volunteering either with USC or another local organization I want to encourage you to get out there and make it happen. You are the difference…….
Ambassador: Doug Bishop