11 November 2003
Dstl scientist assists the US in missing girl hunt
Fort Halstead scientist Mark Yates recently lent his expertise to assist
US law enforcement officials in a hunt for a missing 14 year old girl,
who vanished from her home five years ago.
The Sheriff’s Office of County Douglas, Oregon invited the Home
Office’s National Crime and Operations Faculty (NCOF) to aid in
their search for the girl. Recognising Dstl’s expertise in the
use of military search technology and in particular ground penetrating
radar NCOF asked a member of Dstl to join their team.
Commenting on his experience Mark said;
‘It was a unique event for me as I had the opportunity to work
as a Deputy Sheriff for the County of Douglas thereby ensuring that
our investigation complied with United States law.’
Other members of the UK search team included Aerial Search Specialists,
Mark Harrison the NCOF Police Search Advisor and a UK criminal behavioural
profiler from NCOF, Chuck Burton who could provide the team with information
on the likely movements and actions of any possible suspect.
After an initial appraisal the NCOF advised the aerial reconnaissance
team of the area that should be photographed and analysed. Then a US
Blackhawk military helicopter was engaged to conduct aerial imagery.
The results are then briefed to the ground team, who conduct a ground
search using their specialist ground radar equipment to search for the
missing girl.
Although no body was found, the outcome of the operation was considered
a success, as the search uncovered items that may lead to criminal proceedings
against a prime suspect.
As a result of the Oregon search, demonstrating how well procedures
can work at home and abroad, the NCOF will in future, look to Dstl to
provide support at critical incidents involving high risk vulnerable
missing or abducted children.
For more information please contact:
Annabel Mead
Public Relations Manager, Dstl
asmead@dstl.gov.uk
01252 455994
07766 134768
Liz Aelberry
Communications Assistant, Dstl
eaaelberry@dstl.gov.uk
01252 455965
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