Law Enforcement and Your MD

Throughout the past year I've seen many discussions on hobby related websites about the use of metal detectors to find things for law enforcement. Most of these discussions generally stem from curious hobbyists who wonder if by chance, anyone has ever dug up a body. I've heard stories of shallow graves being unearthed because of a watch found with a metal detector, or other personal effects made of metal. Surely, it's bound to have happened at some point, right?

Many police districts across the US that have forensic divisions, employ their own people, in what some call FET's, or Field Evidence Teams. These teams are law enforcement officials specially trained in gathering evidence. And many of these FET's have metal detectors in their inventory, and are trained to use them. A simple Google search of items such as, "Evidence Recovery + metal detector" will net thousands of results on the different types of FET's and the equipment they use. And let's not forget, this isn't just for use on land, they have dive teams trained in the use of dive machines as well.

In some instances, departments will employ third party volunteer teams, also trained in the nuances of evidence gathering. For the most part, these are known as ERT's, or Evidence Response Teams. And from what I have seen, most are made up of a select group of members from metal detecting clubs in the police departments area.

But how does one join a ERT? As a hobbyist, volunteering your services could surely get you in good with the authorities, and might open up some opportunities. I recently set out to inquire to a few of the local PD's in my area, just to see what they said. Out of the three I wrote to, only one had responded by the time of this entry. It was a one line, simple response about how they do not use third party ERTs as they have on staff personnel, who also happen to be recreational users, trained in evidence recovery with the use of a metal detector.

So I really see two options. One, go to local police websites and send them an inquiry about the use of ERT's. Maybe it will open their eyes to a new thing and it will land you some face time. Otherwise, become a member of a local group, and have the groups leaders contact the department officially showing interest. The worst they can say is no.

I wanted to end by giving some props to a few members of FMDF who are on call as members of an ERT, or otherwise have helped law enforcement personnel with their machines. If you guys are reading this, hats off. The image heading this entry was provided by Rudy, an admin at FMDF and ERT member who has been utilized by the FBI in searches. Thanks!

I've also provided two links to a couple of ERT events that actually took place. Nice pics and good stories.

ERT Link 1
ERT Link 2