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  • From: Kevin Stokes <klstokes@qwest.net>
  • To: msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [MSAR] member requirements
  • Date: Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:35:55 -0600

We've had troubles (more in the past) determining who may be suitable members when interviewing applicants. "I think it would be fun..." is a phrase that sets a red flag in my mind. Sure, I enjoy doing this, but fun isn't the first reason in my mind. We make it clear to all applicants that we train as an emergency response team. Yes, we do parades, patrol the county fair, do National Night Out and safety fairs, but we only train for SAR.
We have a minimum attendance requirement, and an annual qualification test that all members must take. Our qualification test is sort of a obstacle test for horse and rider.
All new members must attend our mounted patrol academy. This consists of three classes. First is a classroom, three hour class covering who we are and what we do, policies, requirements, along with segments on radio use, map reading, and basic search and rescue. (Please note that Minnesota is one of many states with no SAR standards. We have to make our own.)
Our other two classes are field classes. The first of these is Equitation and formation riding. I'm not fond of formation riding, but every search we ride in some type of formation and it is better to work out the bugs in training rather than on a mission.
Our last class has a radio/compass combined training and a search senario. Some of our veteran members attend the academy as a refresher and to help our new members. This all gives applicants a better idea of what we do and what is required. We still have some turnover, but it is much less that before we started the academy.
I agree with Irv that 15 is too few members. our optimum number is 25. We can be confident of good coverage. Too many more than that seems hard to manage.
Hopefully, this gives some good ideas.
Kevin Stokes
Washington County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol




  • [MSAR] member requirements, Kevin Stokes, 02/15/2009

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