WEST COAST SEARCH DOGS OF WASHINGTON

                                              Code of Ethics and Membership Agreement



                       As a member of West Coast Search Dogs of Washington (WCSD), I acknowledge
                       and will strive to embody the term "Search Volunteer"     

                       I have a moral obligation to the missing, public agencies and other state
                       emergency workers with whom I work.  I shall endeavor to guard their                  
                       interests  honestly and deal with them fairly, wisely and in an efficient,
                       proper manner.

       I will be mindful that my actions represent the unit to those who also
       search for the missing, the Grays Harbor County Emergency Management office,
       the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Department and the community at large and
       will act with tact and diplomacy,  respecting the confidentiality of information I
       receive.

       I will not discredit members of other teams, units or other state emergency
       workers.  I will not seek to resolve issues that may arise through a public forum,
       but rather through the appropriate chain of command.

      If another person does or says something, which is offensive to me, I will first
      try to resolve the matter directly with that person and if that fails, I will discuss  
      the matter with one or more of my unit's officers.

      I will honor the cultural, political, religious and racial diversity of all people and
      treat them with dignity and respect.  In no way will such differences interfere 
      with my assigned duties.

      I will remember that personal goals are secondary to the needs of the subject,
      their family and requesting agencies.  I will support the concept that searching
      is a team activity and seek to ensure that the best available resources are made
      available.

      I will honestly represent my abilities and limitations to requesting agencies and
      other teams with whom we deploy.  I will continuously work to improve my
      personal knowledge and skills and will willingly share such information with
      others in the spirit of cooperation.  I will assess risks accordingly and not place
      others or myself in unnecessary jeopardy.

      To the best of my ability, I will comply with the by-laws of WCSD, the
      membership requirements. handler and K-9 Guidelines (if applicable), and the
      guidelines for training and field assignments.  In addition, I am aware of the
      units' expectation that I attend a sufficient amount of meetings and unit
      training's.

      That I understand the distinction between dog, handler and flanker teams that
      are "verified" by WCSD and those that are not.  And that I understand the
      difference between verification and certification within this unit.

      That the objective of training is to become verified an/or qualified in order to
      be available to assist in search activities.

      That I train with WCSD entirely at my own risk and that I will hold WCSD, Grays
      Harbor County or the State of Washington harmless for any injury or property
      loss that may occur during training or any other WCSD activity.

      That I understand I shall not represent WCSD in any manner with out the
      expressed permission of the WCSD membership.  Moreover, while representing
      WCSD I will not participate in any activity without a state mission/training
      number.

      My signature below constitutes my personal affirmation of responsibility to
      discharge these obligations.