DUTIES

Once the recruit becomes sufficiently trained to enter the field, or serve in support roles, a
wide scope of SAR duties are available. A phone call at 3:00 AM could take a SAR member
to any portion of the vast 4255 square miles that comprise San Diego County. The call might
be to search for a missing person or overdue hiker, to rescue a stranded hiker, to assist on a
back country wildfire incident, to perform evacuation duty during disasters, or any number of
calls in which SAR skills are needed. We find ourselves often assisting detectives by
searching for evidence in homicide and other criminal cases. The Bureau also assists the other
Reserve Bureaus with certain special events assigned to them, as well as to the regular
department on a variety of special requests and services. Reserves and Citizen Volunteers can
just about be assured that there will be plenty of jobs to do, keeping the member as busy as
he/she wants to be.

SAR members are required to respond to as many mission calls and training activities as
possible within reason. We recognize that regular employment constraints will prevent some
responses, critical family situations can come about, illness and so forth. Each member must
be committed to participate as much as they can to realize the full benefit of serving. The
Bureau does set forth minimum expected standards to follow which will be explained in your
academy. Nearly all duties require that members work while in uniform. The basic work
uniform is almost identical for Reserves and Volunteers assigned to SAR.