What should SAR providers do if they discover potential evidence during a search?

When Search and Rescue (SAR) providers discover potential evidence during a search, it is crucial to document and report it to the authorities. This is because any potential evidence could play a significant role in the investigation related to the missing person or incident. Proper documentation ensures that the evidence is recorded accurately, detailing its location, condition, and any relevant observations. This thorough approach helps preserve the integrity of the evidence for future analysis or legal procedures.

Furthermore, reporting the evidence to the appropriate authorities allows trained professionals to handle it properly, ensuring that it is collected, analyzed, and stored in accordance with legal and forensic protocols. This collaboration can lead to more effective resolution of the case.

In contrast, disposing of evidence, ignoring it, or handling it casually can compromise the investigation and potentially hinder the search efforts. Each of these actions could lead to the loss of critical information that investigators might need to resolve the case. This highlights the importance of following established protocols when encountering potential evidence during SAR operations.