When systematically circling a point last seen to track a subject, the crew is utilizing which technique?

In the context of searching for a subject in a search and rescue operation, systematically circling a point last seen to track a subject is best described as sign cutting. This technique involves carefully observing and analyzing the ground in a specific area, looking for any signs or clues left by the individual being searched for. The act of traveling around the point last seen allows searchers to gather any evidence, such as tracks, disturbances, or items that may indicate the direction the subject took.

Sign cutting is a detailed method that focuses on the subtleties of the environment to determine the most probable paths taken by the missing individual. This technique is particularly valuable in wilderness areas where visual contact may be lost, and it builds upon the understanding of the terrain and conditions to effectively narrow down the search area based on the gathered sign.

In contrast, the other options represent different approaches that do not align with the specified method of systematically circling. Hasty searches involve a quick, initial sweep of an area; area searches focus on covering larger regions but do not specifically emphasize tracking signs; and containment refers to strategies aimed at surrounding a subject's last known location rather than analyzing the immediate signs.