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| Search & Rescue | |||||||||||||||||||
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To provide a response to such an incident, Tayside Police recognise that ordinary beat officers do not have the specialised skills or equipment to search for someone lost in the countryside or on the mountains. The Search & Rescue Unit is made up of volunteers, who have all completed their probationary period and have at least 2 years Police service. In addition, applicants to the Unit must demonstrate some experience in "hillcraft" and a willingness to perform duties in some of the most extreme weather conditions. 
Trainees for the Unit must also complete a 5 month training programme, where all skills needed for the post will be covered. The final assessment is undertaken in May, when they must complete a four day exercise specially designed to test their abilities. During this final test, trainees cover many miles walking from one part of the region to another, and deal with specific scenarios en route. They camp each night and must also demonstrate their ability to endure the harshness of being self-sufficient. Once in the Unit, the men and women who make up the regulars, are "on call" all year round, and are expected to turn out at anytime, every time, no matter what or where the incident is. |
