Following a Search Management course one of our team members, a Police Officer, was so impressed by a tracking presentation he eventually persuaded the committee that it would be beneficial to send experienced leaders on such a course, if one could be found. Fortunately we have used the Centre for Search Research on previous occasions and we discovered that Pete Roberts and Dave Perkins had organised a Tracker 1 course in February this year.

The presenter was Richard Smith who had given the presentation to our Police Officer. Richard is one of the world's leading exponents on tracking and has honed his skills over thirty years in Alberta, Canada. He can be contacted at www.ericanada.com

We were fortunate to secure three places on a course of twelve consisting mainly of Police Officers but there was also a representative from SARDA (Search and Rescue Dog Association) and the Irish Mountain Rescue Association.

Richard managed to compress five days into three with a well-organised balance of theory and practical sessions, including a night exercise. He defined tracking as following the evidence or sign left by another individual There are so many facets to the art of tracking that it is only through regular practice that the skills can be honed to a level where they can be used confidently and meaningfully. However, anyone interested in finding out more Jack Kearney's book Tracking: A Blueprint for Learning How is the recognised authority.

The three members of the Galloway Team came away knowing that they had been fortunate to participate in a course run by Richard Smith of the Emergency Response Institute Canada, and believing that another potential tool has been added to the Search Manager's options.

There is a level two course, but as this is in Canada, team funds may not go that far!