Standard Operating Procedures for Searching for Surface Scattered Skeletal Remains [1]:

• Identify and define the search area

  • Typically , a small, concentrated area of 1 acre

  • Can vary due to scavenging

• Scout search area during the day

• Deploy HRD K9 during the day

  • Mark any areas of interest

• Wait until dark to deploy ALS resources

  • At least 30 minutes after sunset

  • The darker, the better

• Ensure ALS team is trained and has proper PPE

  • Especially UV-rated eye protection

• Team is typically 6-10 searchers

  • With two behind to serve as navigator and scribe

• Conduct quick (5-minute) calibration exercise in local conditions with known bone sample (preferably non-human)

• Various forms of ALS are available

  • VDEM teams currently use uvBeast V3 385-395 nm

  • Batteries last about an hour - have spare charged batteries available

• Searching for small bones: tight grid, 1-5 meters depending on ground cover

  • Spacing of 3m = 98% POD; Spacing of 1m = 99.999% POD

• Bones only detectable if directly visible to eye

  • Difficult to detect under leaves or soil

  • Consider leaf blowers

    • Blow leaves onto tarps, then search area again using ALS

    • Move tarp with leaves to a non-search area

    • Remove leaves and check for small bones potentially blown onto tarp

1. Koester, R. (2026). Lost Person Behavior: Abductions. Charlottesville, VA. dbS Productions LLC.

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