Search & Rescue Application

Information Sheet

 You have expressed an interest in assisting the Search & Rescue (SAR), Medical Reserve (MR), Drone and Mounted Search and Rescue (MSAR) for Poinsett County. The following information will help you better understand what may be involved.

The Poinsett County SAR, MR, Drone & MSAR will conduct operations involving the life or health of any person.

To discharge this duty, volunteer Search and Rescue units have been organized. It is important that you have a clear understanding of conditions and procedures when becoming a member of a volunteer Search and Rescue unit. These conditions and procedures include, but are not limited to the following:

• You will in no way have any Peace Officer powers; you will not be considered a Peace Officer because of your service as a Poinsett County SAR, MR, Drone & MSAR Volunteer.
• While on a mission with an assigned mission number, you will be covered by Workman's Compensation. Voluntary service to a Law Enforcement Agency may affect the validity of your own insurance policy.
• You will be expected to respond immediately when called, regardless of the time of day or day of week, when available. Habitual (never participating) failure to respond to assigned missions, may result in your being expelled from your unit.
• You will work as assigned, and at the direction of the Search Coordinator or any other person designated to manage the search.
• You will be expected to serve on an assigned mission until it is completed or your services are no longer required.
• Arrangements with your employer for time off for Search and Rescue duty must be made by you. The Poinsett County SAR, MR, Drone & MSAR will not take part in any such arrangements nor intercede on your behalf. They will confirm for your employer that you did take part in a mission, should it be necessary.
• No payment will be rendered for your service. You will furnish your own personal equipment such as clothing, boots, sleeping bag, etc.

The foregoing conditions are not intended to discourage you from offering your services and assistance. Rather, they are stated as objectively as possible, so that you will fully understand the situation and its potential disadvantages, and to protect both you and the Department.

Authorization Form

I authorize Search & Rescue (SAR), Medical Reserve (MR), Drone and Mounted Search and Rescue (MSAR) for Poinsett County and any agent acting on behalf to conduct an inquiry into any information relating to my potential or continued membership with SAR/MR/Drone/MSAR Volunteer Unit. I authorize the release of any such information, including but not limited to, any criminal conviction on my record. I hereby release from liability SAR/MR/Drone/MSAR Volunteer Unit and its agents acting on its behalf for seeking, gathering and using such information, as may be allowed by law, and all other persons, employers, corporations or organizations for furnishing such information. I recognize that the results of any and all inquiries made by SAR/MR/Drone/MSAR Volunteer Unit or any agents acting on its behalf and any verbal or written statements gathered shall remain solely the property of the SAR/MR/Drone/MSAR Volunteer Unit.

I understand that all SAR/MR/Drone/MSAR Volunteer Membership are a branch of the Poinsett County Sheriff's Office and a background investigation will be conducted by said office.

I also understand that my membership can be terminated at any time should any untruthful information or statements be discovered on my application.

I will also obey all laws, rules and regulations of the United States, State of Arkansas, County of Poinsett and the SAR/MR/Drone/MSAR Volunteer Unit. While wearing the uniform and/or equipment of the SAR/MR/Drone/MSAR Volunteer Unit, I will conduct myself in an exemplary manner, refraining from the use of any drugs or alcohol, or engaging in any activity which may bring discredit upon the SAR/MR/Drone/MSAR Volunteer Unit. Failure to abide by these rules and regulations shall result in the immediate termination of my membership. I have read, or have had read to me, the above and testify that I understand the form and that all information is true and correct.

Membership Request

1) Must fill out applications and waiver provided.

2) Applicant must provide a copy of current driver's license and/or pilot's license with application.

3) Applicant must be accepted by the Poinsett County Sheriff's Office - Search & Rescue following the established processing procedure.

4) Following acceptance, the applicant will be issued an ID card at the Poinsett County Sheriff's Office.

5) Must be 18 years or older.

- Willingness to commit to training sessions and regular team meetings

- Ability to work well in a team and follow instructions

- Physically fit and the ability to work in challenging outdoor environments

NOTE: Do not submit an application without a photo and copy of your driver's/pilot's license.