Report: Search & Rescue efforts best under sheriff

Primary responsibility of search-and-rescue (SAR) efforts should remain under the jurisdiction of county sheriffs.

That’s the gist of a report delivered to Gov. Kulongoski by the SAR Taskforce, which he appointed in January to review state laws, administrative rules and related policies to make recommendations for changes “necessary to ensure proper coordination, communication and effective pooling of resources at every level of government during SAR operations.”

The report lists 15 recommendations primarily focused on four areas: command and control, communications, training, and resources.

The governor appointed the committee following an incident in December involving the James Kim Family, of San Francisco.

Area Expertise Noted

The Kim Family became lost on snowbound Bear Camp Road, which runs between Josephine and Curry counties, and Kim died of hypothermia while trying to hike out for aid.

“One position I held in January -- and hold today -- is that the primary responsibility of search-and-rescue should remain with the local sheriffs,” said Kulon- goski. “They know their terrain, their county, and have relationships with local volunteer organizations.

“They are the best officials to lead SAR missions,” the governor said upon receiving the report. “That said, I wanted the task force to review how the state can best support these local efforts, and this report offers a solid framework for how to move forward to ensure that the state is serving its role in protecting the safety of Oregonians and our visitors.”

The task force was comprised of 15 representatives from local, state and federal jurisdictions, including state legislators, officials from the Oregon Office of Emergency Management
(OEM), Oregon State Police, general public, governor’s office, Portland
Police Bureau, Oregon National Guard and volunteer SAR organizations.

Final recommendations include:

  • Setting clear guidelines in multijurisdictional searches for command-and-control responsibilities.
  • Enhancing OEM funds.
  • Strengthening  training, including the applications of telecommunications technology for SAR leaders.
  • Forming regional SAR councils.
  • Establishing a state SAR Policy Commission.
  • Advancing public education and outreach about safety in the wilderness, and SAR prevention.

“Some of the recommendations take legislative action; others have budget impacts; while others I can move forward through administrative action,” the governor said.  “Our next step is to review the recommendations in detail and prioritize the ones that need immediate attention from the Legislature, while it’s still in session, and create a roadmap for implementing the others.”

Along with the recommendations, the report includes background information and analysis of issues associated with previous SAR operations in Oregon, as well as areas that need further research and policy discussion. 

The task force also addressed the issue about whether the state should mandate the use of locator beacons in the wilderness.  After much discussion, the task force concluded that encouraging voluntary use is the best policy for the state.