ECSAR offers human remains detection services to law enforcement agencies at no cost to the agency.

ECSAR's services can only be requested by law enforcement agencies at the local, state, or federal level. We do not respond at the request of individuals, nor do we self-deploy to missions.

ECSAR's Human Remains Detection K9 teams are trained to detect the odor of human decomposition. K9s are trained to detect the smallest material to largest, from fresh to historic remains, in all environments. ECSAR's trailing team is in training. Once certified, that team will be available for call-outs suitable for scent-specific trailing resources. Currently, ECSAR's teams are available for land searches only.

Joining the team is a rigorous process, which includes a full background check of prospective members, K9 evaluation, a probationary period, required prerequisite training, and the ability to travel. It takes a special dog (and handler) to become a certified and operational K9 team. Not all dogs and people are cut out for wilderness work, intense work and training processes, physical exertion, or mental resilience required by the job. Members are also responsible for their own expenses related to operating their K9s and working with the team. ECSAR will promote team openings as they become available, and prospective members may contact us via email.

Training to certification will vary by dog and handler team; however, generally, a handler and dog team will train together for a minimum of 18-24 months before they are eligible to attempt certification. Once certified, the K9 team will be required to meet operational requirements within the team to be deployable. Handlers, separate from their K9s, will also need to meet training and operational requirements. Average members spend at least 300-500 hours per year honing their skills in order to maintain their operational status.

No. East Carolina Search and Recovery does not accept donations, nor does it charge for services. Our team is comprised of 100% unpaid professionals.

ECSAR will train both the handler and the K9 to operate their own dogs. Handlers must have a reasonable level of physical fitness in order to participate, and their K9s will be required to meet all team standards. Dog handlers must also be skilled in navigation, search techniques, search operations, leadership, search management, and both human and K-9 first aid. Handlers acquire and maintain these additional skills through their involvement with ECSAR.