GPS / CalTopo Tracking

Image above: CalTopo mapping of team members during a land navigation search exercise. Each different colored track represents the movements of that individual searcher. Marks are noted on the map for significant findings at that location, including the time and team member placing the mark. Each mark can be selected by team members for details regarding that finding, including pictures, description, and its exact GPS coordinates.

OSRT team members are trained and experienced in utilizing Lost Person Behavior Analysis (LPB).

In a 2024 search, the Ohio Special Response Search Team used this analytic technique to locate a missing male concealed in dense underbrush in only 46 minutes. While this incident is demonstrably rare, it highlighted the sheer power of LPB, coupled with SAR teams experienced in its use.

LPB is based on the International Missing Persons Database, containing in excess of 100,000 lost persons incident descriptions. Divided into numerous categories, OSRT personnel use this system to narrow down search areas and it has been proven to empower SAR personnel in rapidly locating a majority of lost persons in a wide range of conditions and terrain.

All new OSRT members are encouraged to attend Lost Person Behavior training as well as participate in real world LPB exercises at the unit level.