Re: [Az-Geocaching] Another cacher finds body near Las Vegas

MCSO has a more direct need to know, and it seems clear that they were trained in GPS technology. I'm actually glad they do understand it. Some of the field units (deputies, not SAR) are starting to get their own units for collision investigation purposes. Local PDs don't have such a need, as street addresses work perfectly well for them. DPS should use them, but currently doesn't. However, in the new CAD system we're getting next month, GPS info is used, but we're still not being trained on it. Go figure. Usually, if it isn't asphalt, it isn't ours. :/ When sending our Ranger helicopters out on LE or SAR missions, they ask for coordinates. If the local PD can't provide them (usually the case), I find it for them to make the job easier for my guys. But as I said before, most of the people in the center don't understand the technology, and give me the "get a life" speech when I tell them about what I do on my days off (I'm in better shape than most of them, so go figure). I think more than anything, they're afraid of learning it because it sounds complicated. I should suggest to my supervisor about teaching a class on GPS technology and how to find where the coordinates point.

Brian
Team A.I.
----- Original Message -----
From: RAND HARDIN
To: AZ-Geocaching
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2004 4:37 PM
Subject: Re: [Az-Geocaching] Another cacher finds body near Las Vegas


Jake asked about whether law enforcement would understand waypoints:

About a year ago I found a newly stolen vehicle abandoned in Bulldog Canyon. I called the sheriffs dept and gave them the necessary information about the vehicle and location. I then asked the dispatcher, if I gave her coordinates to the vehicle if that would help. She said: "definitely!" She told me that their search and rescue units are equipped with GPSrs. I imagine if we discover something anywhere "off trail" that search and rescue would be notified. I don't know about local police though, but I would imagine that police helicopters would be equipped.

Rand (RandMan)

    ----- Original Message -----
    From: insomniak@cox.net
    Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2004 3:47 PM
    To: listserv@azgeocaching.com
    Subject: [Az-Geocaching] Another cacher finds body near Las Vegas

    Perhaps we should consider posting instructions on what to do when coming across someone's unfortunate demise.

    I'm kinda curious my self as to what are the proper steps to help out law enforcement.  

    Is it necessary to contact "9-1-1" or would it be more appropriate to contant a non-emergency number?

    Which agency to do contact when you are (insert your favorite caching location here.)?

    If you are out of range for your cell phone to work, how do you go about contacting law enforcment? 

    Will dispatchers be able to understand you giving them waypoint information?

    There are other questions I can't think of now, but I'm sure I will later.

    I think Brian of Team A.I. (my team) and Trisha would probably have alot of information.  It only seems likely that more cachers will find these types of things, and knowing what to do ahead of time.

    Jake - Team A.I.