Otsingukava

Otsingukava, literally “search plan” in Estonian, is a formal document used by security and rescue services to coordinate searches for missing persons, objects, or evidence. Prepared at the outset of an operation and updated as new information becomes available, it aligns objectives, resources, safety procedures, and timelines across agencies such as the police, fire brigade, and municipal responders. The plan serves to optimize the use of personnel, equipment, and time, reduce duplication of effort, and ensure clear lines of accountability during high-pressure operations.

Typical content includes the purpose and scope, known facts and hypotheses about the disappearance or location of the item, defined search areas and methods (such as grid, sector, or route searches; use of dogs, drones, or underwater search teams), roles and responsibilities, resource inventory, safety and communications protocols, data collection and reporting requirements, and the operation schedule with milestones and handover points. The plan also enumerates logistical considerations (staging areas, transport, welfare for volunteers), risk assessment, and procedures for incident debrief and post-operation review.

In practice, otsingukava supports coordination among responders and information-sharing with investigators, families, and the public while respecting privacy and legal constraints. It is regarded as a living document, revised as circumstances change, and is commonly used in missing-person cases, disaster response, or investigations requiring systematic, traceable searches. The quality of the plan influences the efficiency and safety of the operation and can determine the likelihood of a successful outcome.