• Florida Law Enforcement Canine Association (FLECA) Search and Rescue Area Search Certification

These standards and testing procedures have been created and authorized by the Florida Law Enforcement Canine Association (FLECA) to provide independent performance evaluations for the civilian search and rescue community. By adopting these standards, search and rescue professionals can receive an evaluation of their canine’s ability and proficiency in the tested discipline through a reputable law enforcement association.

Eligibility:

• Civilians must have a valid membership with a search and rescue organization or provide a letter showing affiliation with a law enforcement agency.

Search and Rescue Area Search Certification

This test assesses a K-9 team’s ability and proficiency in searching designated areas to locate lost or missing persons.

Pre-Certification Requirements:

• The canine team must pass the FLECA Obedience Phase for search and rescue before taking this certification test.
• The canine team must demonstrate sociability with the Certifying Official before testing.
• Any display of aggression by the K-9 at any point during testing will result in failure.
• All handlers must possess a current Basic First Aid and CPR certificate from the American Red Cross.

Testing Conditions:

• The handler must ensure that the Certifying Official has access to topographical maps of the test area. If unavailable, the handler must provide an alternative map approved by the Certifying Official.
• Before entering the search area, the handler must inform the Certifying Official of the K-9’s alert behavior.
• The “victims” will be unknown to the K-9 team.
• Use of GPS devices is allowed during testing.

Test Areas & Evaluation

• The team will be given grid coordinates on a map and must clear the assigned areas.
• There will be two (2) test areas, covering a combined area of 40 to 160 acres.
• The terrain will be light to medium and may be adjusted if it becomes denser.
• Each search area may contain zero (0) to two (2) “victims”.
• The “victims” will remain still, without making noises or movements to attract the K-9’s attention.
• The K-9’s alert must be obvious to the Certifying Official.
• The maximum time to clear both areas is two (2) hours.

Rest Periods:

• A break will be given between search areas.
• The K-9 team may rest inside the search area, and rest time will not count toward the two-hour limit.
• The duration of rest periods is at the discretion of the Certifying Official.

Pass/Fail Criteria:

• The team must locate all victims within the time limit. Missing any victim constitutes failure.
• A team miss is any incorrect response by the K-9 team.
• Certification is granted on a pass/fail basis, as determined by the Certifying Official.
• The handler and dog function as a single team; if the dog changes handlers, a new team is formed and must be recertified.

Certification Validity & Fees

• Certification is valid for one (1) year from the date of issue.
• No fee is charged for FLECA certification testing.
• A fee may be imposed only to cover travel, lodging, and meal expenses, if necessary.