Evidence-Based Courses

The Land Search and Rescue (LSAR) course is designed for all first responders who may be tasked with locating missing or endangered persons in urban, suburban, and wilderness environments. Taught by experienced MEPSAR practitioners, this course provides a structured, data-driven approach to search operations that emphasizes safety, efficiency, and effective use of resources.

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Participants will receive instruction in essential search and rescue competencies, including basic victim care (First Aid/CPR), evidence recognition and preservation, Incident Command System (ICS) fundamentals, and land navigation using maps, compass, and GPS. The course also covers proven search tactics such as patterns, grids, clue awareness, and search type selection, all integrated into systematic procedures designed to improve outcomes during real-world search operations.

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This course blends classroom instruction with practical application to ensure students can confidently apply concepts in the field.

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Course Details

• 3-day course

• Minimum 15 / Maximum 30 students

• 2–3 instructors, based on class size

Missing person cases continue to increase nationwide, yet many agency investigative responses have changed little over time. Historically, missing person investigations have often relied on generalized investigative practices, with cases assigned to patrol officers or general detectives without specialized training, standardized protocols, or data-driven guidance.

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The Missing Person Investigations course, developed by Missing Persons Training and Consulting (MPTAC), delivers proven, real-world investigative concepts built from decades of first responder experience. This course provides a comprehensive overview of investigative strategies for all major categories of missing persons, including runaways, lost persons, individuals with mental illness or cognitive disabilities, despondent subjects, parental and stranger abductions, Child Abduction Response Team (CART) activations, and child custody order enforcement.

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Instruction emphasizes policy review, critical decision-making, and practical investigative techniques agencies can immediately implement to improve efficiency, accountability, and recovery outcomes. This course is designed to strengthen agency capabilities by building specialized investigators and standardized investigative practices for missing person cases.

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Course Details

• 3-day course

• Minimum of 15 participants; no maximum enrollment

• Instructor staffing based on class size

• On-site instruction at your location

This specialized Crime Analysis course is designed for first responders, detectives, supervisors, and crime analysts who support all types of missing persons investigations. The course provides a practical, operational framework for applying crime analysis principles and analytical tools to improve investigative decision-making, resource deployment, and recovery outcomes.

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Participants will gain a foundational understanding of crime analysis concepts—including patterns, series, and trends—while learning how tactical, strategic, administrative, and intelligence-led analysis directly support missing persons cases. Emphasis is placed on the unique analytical challenges associated with vulnerable and high-risk populations, including children, individuals with cognitive disabilities, and repeat missing persons.

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The course covers effective data and information management using law enforcement and national data systems, with instruction on data validation, common data issues, and report development. Participants will explore analytical techniques such as repeat victimization analysis, behavioral pattern recognition, link and network analysis, and the use of open-source and social media intelligence to develop actionable leads.

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A dedicated module focuses on missing-person-specific analytical techniques, including temporal analysis to establish timelines and last-known movement, spatial analysis to identify recovery locations, travel routes, and hotspots, and behavioral and victimology analysis to assess risk and differentiate between missing, abducted, and voluntary scenarios.

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Participants will also receive practical instruction on mapping and visualization tools, including GIS and search-and-rescue mapping platforms, hotspot and kernel density analysis, and visual products that support command staff, search managers, and investigative teams.

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This course bridges the gap between traditional crime analysis and real-world missing persons operations, providing participants with proven methodologies that enhance coordination between analysts, investigators, and search teams.

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Target Audience

• Crime Analysts

• Law Enforcement Officers and Detectives

• Supervisors and Command Staff

• Search and Rescue Coordinators

• Intelligence and Fusion Center Personnel

 

Key Outcomes

• Apply crime analysis principles to missing persons investigations

• Improve data-driven decision-making and investigative efficiency

• Identify patterns, risks, and behavioral indicators unique to missing persons cases

• Produce actionable analytical products that support searches and recoveries

 

Course Details

• 2-day course

• Minimum of 15 participants; no maximum enrollment

• Instructor staffing based on class size

• On-site instruction at your location

MEPSAR (Missing Endangered Persons Search and Rescue) is a proven, data-driven search and investigative methodology developed and refined by the founders of Missing Persons Training and Consulting (MPTAC) while serving with the Jacksonville, Florida Police and Fire Departments. The MEPSAR concept is specifically designed to locate the most vulnerable missing persons by following behavioral patterns, statistical analysis, and real-world data, rather than relying on guesswork or broad, unguided searches.

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MEPSAR emphasizes a unified, multi-disciplinary response that brings law enforcement and fire/rescue agencies together under one common objective: the rapid and safe recovery of the missing person. While the methodology can be implemented by a single agency, its effectiveness significantly increases when police and fire agencies operate collaboratively using a shared framework.

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The MEPSAR model is built around four structured operational phases:

• Initial Response

• Immediate Search

• Phase 1

• Phase 2

 

MEPSAR is currently in use by multiple agencies across Northeast Florida with documented success:

• Jacksonville: 99.6% recovery rate over five years

• Clay County: 100% recovery rate over the past three years

• St. Johns County: 100% recovery rate since implementation

 

The MEPSAR course is a five-day immersive training program combining classroom instruction, practical exercises, and a live field operation.

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MPTAC’s mission is to advance MEPSAR as a nationally standardized approach to missing endangered person investigations and searches, ensuring consistent, effective responses for the most vulnerable populations.

This MPTAC consulting service is designed to assist agencies in building, restructuring, or revitalizing independent Missing Persons Investigative Units and the policies that govern them. MPTAC provides expert guidance in the development of agency-specific investigative procedures, search protocols, and departmental orders focused exclusively on missing person investigations and search operations.

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Consulting is conducted through secure electronic communication and comprehensive document review. MPTAC experts work closely with agency leadership to gather operational, staffing, and jurisdictional information, evaluate existing policies and practices, and identify gaps or inefficiencies. Based on this assessment, MPTAC develops customized unit procedures, investigative workflows, and department orders aligned with proven best practices and modern missing person response standards.

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In addition, MPTAC can design the organizational structure for a dedicated Missing Persons Investigative Unit, including roles, responsibilities, case assignment models, and coordination with patrol, specialty units, and partner agencies. The goal is to establish a sustainable, efficient, and mission-focused unit capable of handling missing person investigations and searches of all types.

Pricing is a one-time consulting fee and is based on the scope of services provided and the size and needs of the agency. 

This extensive two-day training course provides law enforcement and legal professionals with a comprehensive, real-world approach to human trafficking investigations—from initial identification through successful prosecution.

 

Participants will gain a deep understanding of trafficking, victim identification, and trauma-informed interviewing, while developing the skills needed to handle complex, multi-layered cases. The course emphasizes practical investigative strategies, including digital evidence collection, online investigations, financial tracking, and the development of legally sound search warrants and subpoenas.

 

Through case studies, exercises, and hands-on instruction, attendees will learn how to build strong, prosecutable cases and effectively collaborate with prosecutors, task forces, and victim service providers.

 

Designed for both new and experienced investigators, this training equips professionals with the tools and confidence needed to address the evolving challenges of human trafficking and exploitation.