Tracking

Larimer County Search and Rescue trackers are certified by Joel Hardin Professional Tracking Services (JHPTS) and Universal Tracking Services (UTS).

The coordination of tracking resources for incidents, and the coordination and scheduling of regional tracking training for SAR teams, law enforcement, and the military is generally handled through Rocky Mountain Trackers

Certification is not based on the number, type or title of courses attended - but the member's demonstrated knowledge and skill in tracking and use of techniques and tactics to successfully resolve practical simulations and missions. Member evaluation and certification is done by JHPTS and UTS Staff.

Our trackers improve their tracking skills by education, training, self-guided practice, and group practices. It takes many hours of dedicated training to become proficient in tracking.

The certification levels are Novice/Track Aware, Apprentice/Basic Tracker, Tracker 1, Tracker 2, Journeyman Tracker, and Sign Cutter. For more information about these designations, please visit the JHPTS or UTS websites

Tracking is the art of following the sign left behind as a person walks through an area. Trackers are trained in recognizing this sign. They very rarely find a well defined footprint. Usually it is evidence that something stepped on a particulare spot. The sign they see is a stone pressed in the dirt, bruising left on plant material, the impression of the edge of the sole of a shoe, or a slight depression made by the weight of the person.