K9 Flanker

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A K9 Team consists of three members, the dog, the Handler, and the Flanker. The Flanker provides the support needed for the handler to focus on their demanding job. All members of MARK9 are fully trained as Flankers before they are deployable. Additionally, all members operate as Flankers throughout their careers when needed. Being a Flanker is both a pre-requisite for becoming a Handler and a critically important position in-and-of itself. (Click HERE for additional information.)

 

K9 Handler

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The handler is the job you’re most familiar with from movies and other media. This is the person directly responsible for controlling and reading the behavior of the K9. They cannot operate effectively without their K9 partner or the Flanker. (Click Here for additional information.)

 

Base Technician

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Often called just “Base”, this individual operates as a Command Technician supporting the teams in the field as well as the Search Manager. They are responsible for tracking all the teams via GPS and radio, providing Command & Control support to facilitate safe and efficient operations, and helping the Search Manager manage the incident as it develops. All members are trained to operate as a Base Technician in case the need arises; however, the role is usually filled by a member who has additional training and experience.

 

Search Manager

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Always filled by a senior member who has undergone additional specialized training, the Search Manager position is responsible for everything that happens on a search. They are the point of contact for the agency who requested our support, and they are the one who builds the search strategy tailored to that specific missing person, geography, and situation.