Then again.....it could be a good thing. There should be protocol followed that entails LE and the search teams working "together" so that one hand knows what the other is doing especially in a case where foul play is suspected.
On the search in the area the rose was found there was a select group of trained searchers approximately 22 (myself included). We had approximantly 12 LE officers with us every step of the way. They walked behind us and reviewed every little piece of anything we found. They had a Crime scene tech on site who reviewed everything. The area was very dense for the most part but very well searched. This was the third or more times TM group had searched the area. I personally know someone who searched the exact area on his on five or six times and he feels certain it's been covered as best it can be.
What areas were searched, It was the area between Green Lane, behind homes on Tyler and Seven Sisters Rd from next to R/R can't remember the road name down to the river. Same area as the well
what the terrain conditions were on that day, how much terrain was "able" to be covered and all signed off by LE as their personnel should accompany each team that goes out, As stated above the terrain was terrible in some areas and easier in others but all areas were searched and signed off by the Detective assigned to Haleighs case and the Sgt assigned they were both there all day with us.
andnot all standing around kibittzing about their training, their gf's or locker room talk. I never saw any if this happening we were way to busy, very hot for them to have time to be "kibittzing".
Also, with each LE Dept., it should be clear that the search organizations that are brought in should not be dictated to as to where they can search and where they can't. Not sure exactly what you are saying here but will answer anyway. LE does determine the areas to search. TM makes his suggestions based on many years of experience and usually LE know he knows what he is doing.
If anything, it should be policed as to WHO searches. As I said we were a select group brought in that day to search. It was not an open call for volunteers.
These weekend warrior people are doing nothing but trudging through terrain that potentially has all the clues but without the proper background info of the case likely are doing more harm than good......this is IMO. This really bothers me a lot. When I met you we were on a search together on the same team and I was the team leader and really didn't know what I was doing except following directions I was given. My first search. We were all doing the best we could back then. It was the first time TM group was in Florida.They had thousands of volunteer searchers so we were not well organized for sure. That has changed!! The group is now a very well trained group with a number of searches under our belts, sad to say. Our training is on going we can always learn. We don't just go into the woods on "real" searches we do mock searchs for training and believe me they are just like the real thing.
The pro's that have been doing this for years and nothing but this for years have the stats according to their own experiences as to how, where and when to search for a more likely successful find. It should be a joint effort. I agree and can honestly say our group is much better qualified than most LE. I consider TM a Pro. I have learned so much since that first day in Orlando and shudder thinking about some of the things we did wrong. I can assure you you will see few errors now when we have the core group searching. I think even when we have hundred or thousands of volunteers our Team Leaders now know exactly what to do if not they will ask questions and find out and direct their teams accordingly. I do know if there is a special area(s) of concern no one is allowed to search in those areas unless they are well trained, usually team leaders only.
I would like to add that the vegetation in Florida is still quite thick although beginning to die back due to the cold spells. When in full bloom, you cannot see a thing in the underbrush. So true it is terrible in some areas like Satsuma. We did not have the same kind of undergrowth in the Somer search in Orange Park just 54 miles north.[/
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