Just my perspective:

1.   Never criticize your law enforcement incident commander in public. He has more responsibilities than you could ever imagine.

2.   Never release details of a search that you assisted on that was under L.E. jurisdiction. You might unknowingly compromise a criminal investigation.

3.   Understand that when you volunteer as a searcher, you have to work within a system. Things might not go your way and you are not in charge.

4.   The time for constructive criticism is at the official multi-agency debriefing. Respect the individuals you might disagree with by disagreeing with them there.

5.   Never blame anyone for the death of a victim. It is cruel and inhumane.

6.   Don't engage in "My dog could have... would have" after-the-fact conversations. It is unprofessional and not necessarily true.

7.   Don't assume you are better trained or more suited for duty than the other guy. Keep your ego in check.

8.   Remember, it is not the responsibility of the L.E. to know your abilities... it is your responsibility to make that contact prior to being needed.

9.   Be prepared to answer questions on insurance, mutual aid agreements, and type of training/testing standards that your team uses to L.E. administrators. They have liability issues that must be addressed that you are not aware of.

10.  If you want to make a difference, remember you effect change by working within the system. That means holding your tongue, not participating in self promotion, and working for a higher calling than oneself.

Law Enforcement and SAR Volunteers must work together. Lives are at stake. We both have bad apples with big egos. It is up to us to keep those individuals in check and not let their negativity ruin the good that can be accomplished together. We are stronger together than apart. And only together can we achieve miracles. I challenge all Law Enforcement and SAR Volunteers to "Be a Bridge." We have differences. Let's engage in open and honest communication with one another so we can understand each other's perspective. Only then can we learn from one another. Only then can the two professions join as one, in a partnership united in the mission of saving lives. Let's work together... "So Others May Live."