Mission evolution

Throughout the United States the initial responsibility for initiating search and rescue efforts begins with local law enforcement. In Virginia this responsibility lies with the local sheriff's office. There are other entities who may also have responsibilities including some city police departments, county emergency managers, National Park Service, State Police and even the Department of Defense.

In general, when an individual goes missing or an incident requiring rescue takes place, local law enforcement is the first to investigate. Local law enforcement will investigate the incident and begins initial search and planning tactics sometimes in cooperation with their other local public service agencies. Because most departments do not have dedicated search and rescue personnel, during the investigation process they will determine what type of resources they need and they will then contact the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) Emergency Operation Center (EOC) for assistance.

The EOC Duty Officer (DO) will then contact one of the State Search and Rescue Coordinators on duty. The SAR Coordinator will evaluate the situation, determine the type and amount of resources needed and then instruct the DO to send a Statewide Emergency Alert (SWAN) to the required teams, identifying the type of incident, what resources are needed, and the location where the team should arrive.