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Starting an LSDogs unit
Can my unit be a member of both LSDogs and SARDA?
How many members do we need to join?
Commitment, drive and enthusiasm are the key attributes you will need. Its also best to contact an existing LSDogs unit - They will all be happy to help and answer any questions that you may have.
Does my area need an LSDogs unit?
Ask LSDogs! We are in contact with all of the UK Police services and we will be able to advise you as to whether to start a unit or join an existing unit if the area is already covered. We are always keen to set up units in areas that do not have any form of existing cover. Telephone email or write to LSDogs - We will always be able to tell you what unit (SARDA or LSDogs or independent) work in a particular area. We can usually get you contact details for that unit should you wish to apply to them for membership.
What does it cost to start & run an LSDogs unit?
You will find that it will cost more in time than it does in money. In terms of practical costs, Initially the bulk of these are likely to be for photocopying and stamps. As the unit becomes established it can start to focus on fundraising to enable it to purchase equipment or vehicles etc.
How does my unit become affiliated to LSDogs?
A potential member unit should apply in writing to the secretary. The formal application should be supported by various items of documentation: 1. Governing Document 2. Rules of Conduct 3. Membership List 4. Standards 5. Training Records 6. Public Liability Insurance 7. Letter of Support from the units area Police Service
As well as other details:- • Proposed Area of Operation • Details of Regular Training sessions • Reasons for Joining • Name of a Member as a potential Unit Representative • Current Years Membership Fees (if applicable)
The application will be acknowledged by the secretary and arrangements made for a member unit to mentor the probationary unit. The mentoring unit will provide members to visit training sessions and will ensure that the probationary unit adheres to the LSDogs Code of Practice and other governing documents. The unit will remain probationary until such a time that they can respond with a minimum of one Level 2 team and one level 3 team. The unit will be assessed by an LSDogs Assessor, who will report to the executive committee as to their suitability. If there is a committee meeting prior to a satisfactory visit by an assessor then the committee can decide to provisionally accept the application which will need to be confirmed once a favourable assessor's report has been received. Provisional membership carries with it all the membership privileges apart from entry in the Contacts List, voting rights or a call-out.
Acceptance will be by a simple majority of the Executive Members present and voting. A unit will not be accepted if they are in an area that is already serviced by an LSDogs unit, if they are in a unit covered by Mountain Rescue or SARDA. there is no right of appeal but a unit could reapply after an interval of three months. The constitution deals with termination of membership.
Once a search dog unit has been fully accepted into LSDogs it has equal status with existing units. The membership fees may reflect the membership within individual units but each units representative has an equal vote within the governing of the executive.
Why should my unit affiliate to LSDogs?
1. Standardised assessments and standards 6. Access to a discounted insurance policy 7. Access to free Criminal Records Bureau Checks
Can my unit be a member of both LSDogs and SARDA?
How do I get my members trained in search skills?
Some LSDogs and ALSAR units run Search Skills courses. They are usually taught over a weekend and take a new member through everything they need to know to become a safe and competent searcher. These courses are normally run at little or no cost for LSDogs units.
What is the best way to advertise to potential unit members?
Papers, Police stations, libraries. Radio programs offer a good hit rate as well as displaying at public events.
How should we manage the unit?
Most units find that a democratic management unit works best - This way the whole membership gets a say in the running of the unit by electing the people that they want.
How many members do we need to join?
A unit could comprise, as a minimum, a dog and handler and their support (i.e. two persons) but is more likely to be more. The optimum size for a unit seems to be about 20 - 25; any larger than this and the organisation becomes difficult to manage and detracts from their operational efficiency.
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© 2006 Lowland Search Dogs Send questions and comments to the Webmaster This page was last updated on Sunday, February 19, 2006 |
