Goals of SSD
Mission Statement
The purpose of Sandia Search Dogs is to alleviate human suffering and
preserve human life by assisting the New Mexico State Police in locating
lost persons. This shall be accomplished by using qualified mission-ready
search dogs, and other resources that are available to us for which we are
qualified. Above all, we will strive to perform this duty with proper conduct
and professionalism, and maintain respect for the subject and their family.
Team Philosophy
Members of Sandia Search
Dogs should hold the mission statement to the forefront of their philosophy
toward search activities. They must maintain a high standard for their dogs,
and ready them to be as effective on a mission as possible. However, it
also includes training themselves to be effective field support and be well-rounded
in search and rescue in general. This must be achieved by additional training
in non-dog related skills which includes, but is not limited to, survival
techniques and map and compass skills. Effectiveness in the field is dependent
upon both the dog and the handler being well trained.
Members of Sandia Search Dogs should hold a high priority to search activities.
Only their job, family, and school should interfere with their commitment
to serve. Members must be reasonably available to respond on search missions
and training.
Members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner any
time they are representing themselves to be part of Sandia Search Dogs, or
in any situation where it is known they are a member. Professionalism is particularly
important on missions because dog teams are underutilized as a resource.
This organization is a team, and as such, the members must work together
and support each other. Due to its nature, search dog training cannot be
done alone. All members are expected to help each other during training and
on missions. This includes attending missions as field support for a dog
handler, and helping others during training, regardless of their level of
proficiency or method used.
Search Response
Policy
The New Mexico Department
of Safety, under the New Mexico State Police (NMSP), runs all search and
rescue activities in the state. Representatives of the NMSP will call Sandia
Search Dogs to participate in a search and rescue mission. Occasionally,
local police agencies, or a governing agency from out of state may also activate
the team. In all cases, the team must be requested to participate in a mission.