TRAINING

The SAR Training Unit coordinates varied training for recruits through the SAR academy. Classroom and field instruction will cover approximately 200-300 hours of orientation, first aid, search skills, rescue support, general field support, mantracking, survival, incident management, equipment and some related law enforcement subjects. The academy training is identical for both Reserve and Rescue Volunteer recruits. By State law, Reserve candidates must also complete special law enforcement training required by Penal Code 832 for Level III Reserve Peace Officers.

Upon acceptance into the SAR program, and while awaiting academy training, most of the SAR Units offer an apprentice training program in which recruits can begin pretraining orientated towards a unit specialty skill. Apprentices can also participate in the field during regular Bureau
activities on a limited basis to gain actual experience. If, as a prospective recruit, you do not
know which specialty unit you may want to serve with, do not be concerned at this time. You
will have ample time to make a decision by the time you have graduated your academy. Training is a vital component to the Bureau, and is an going process. Besides quarterly Bureau field training in which all of the units come together, each unit provides training to keep unit specialty skills sharpened. Every actual search mission becomes, in fact a training ground.