Articles of Association of Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN)
Network for Civilian Cadaver Search and Rescue in the Context of Disaster Relief
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§ 1 Name, Registered Office and Legal Status
The network is known as “Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN)”. The abbreviated form is “SARCN”. Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN) is a community of interest in the sense of an unregistered association of persons under German law. The organisation is a voluntary association of organisations and experts. It does not pursue any commercial objectives. The registered office of the community of interest is the respective place of business of the network coordinator (CEO).
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§ 2 Mission and Vision
Mission
Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN) promotes quality, professionalism and cooperation in civilian cadaver search operations within the context of accident and disaster relief. It creates a platform for professional exchange, the development of practice-oriented approaches, and the networking of relevant stakeholders from operational practice, academia and public authorities.
Vision
Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN) aims to operate as a professionally recognised platform on the international stage, making a significant contribution to the further development of standards, methods and interdisciplinary cooperation in the search for human remains. In the long term, the aim is to establish a shared understanding of quality that ensures efficiency, dignity and care in dealing with the deceased and their relatives.
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§ 3 Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN) is to promote quality and cooperation in civilian cadaver search operations.
Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN) does not undertake any operational tasks.
This purpose is realised in particular through:
- Professional exchange and networking among members
- The development and establishment of ethical, professional and scientific quality standards
- The development of binding recommendations and guidelines
- The promotion of training and further education
- Support for authorities and organisations with security responsibilities
- The promotion of interdisciplinary cooperation with other organisations
- The promotion of research and innovation in the field of civilian cadaver search
- The promotion of knowledge transfer and best practices
- The international networking of professionals, institutions and organisations.
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§ 4 Membership
Membership is open to natural and legal persons who are professionally active in the field or have a legitimate interest. This includes, for example, aid organisations, search dog teams, authorities and institutions, as well as individuals with the relevant professional qualifications.
Members undertake to recognise the Articles of Association and quality standards and to practise non-violent dog training.
Admission is granted upon application by decision of the network coordinator. There is no automatic right to admission.
Membership is free of charge; no membership fees are levied.
Membership ceases upon:
- Resignation
- Death (in the case of natural persons)
- Dissolution of the member organisation
- Expulsion
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§ 5 Rights and obligations of members
Members are entitled to:
- participate in the activities of Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN)
- contribute professional expertise
- participate in network activities
- submit proposals and motions for further development
Members are obliged:
- to support the objectives of Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN)
- to comply with the quality standards of Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN)
- to participate in quality assurance measures
- to share relevant information, particularly technical information
- to adhere to the principles of professionalism, respect and confidentiality
- to promote the objectives of Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN)
- refrain from any actions that could harm the organisation
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§ 6 Organisation
The governing bodies of Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN) are:
- the Network Coordinator
- the Advisory Board
- specialist groups / working groups
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§ 7 Network Coordinator (CEO)
The Network Coordinator is the executive and decision-making authority of Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN).
He or she represents the organisation externally. The Network Coordinator acts in a voluntary capacity.
The Network Coordinator has the final say in all matters, unless otherwise specified in these Articles of Association.
His or her duties include, in particular:
- strategic management and further development
- admission and expulsion of members
- organisation of activities
- appointment of the Advisory Board
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§ 8 Advisory Board
The Advisory Board consists of professionally qualified individuals from relevant disciplines. The members of the Advisory Board are appointed and dismissed by the Network Coordinator.
Duties of the Advisory Board:
- providing expert advice to the Network Coordinator
- support on quality issues
- providing impetus for strategic development
- establishing and commissioning specialist groups and working groups in agreement with the Network Coordinator.
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§ 9 Specialist Groups and Working Groups
Specialist groups and working groups deal with specific subject areas, for example:
- Search methods
- Training
- Technology and innovation
They develop recommendations and standards for the organisation. Specialist groups are established on a permanent basis, whilst working groups are of a temporary nature.
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§ 10 Funding and Use of Funds
Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN) does not charge membership fees. Each member or member organisation bears the costs arising from their involvement with Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN) themselves. Members have no entitlement to financial contributions.
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§ 11 Liability and Responsibility
Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN) accepts no liability for the actions of its members. Members act on their own responsibility within the scope of their activities. Liability of persons acting within Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN) is limited to intent and gross negligence, to the extent permitted by law.
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§ 12 Data Protection and Confidentiality
The processing of personal data shall be carried out in accordance with applicable data protection regulations, in particular the GDPR. Sensitive information, particularly in connection with deceased persons and operational situations, must be treated as confidential. Members undertake to act in a respectful and ethically responsible manner.
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§ 13 Intellectual Property and Use of Results
Content developed within the framework of the organisation (e.g. recommendations, guidelines) is generally available to members for use within the scope of their membership. Commercial use by individual members is not permitted.
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§ 14 Amendments to the Statutes
Amendments to these Statutes shall be made by resolution of the Network Coordinator. The Advisory Board must be consulted in advance.
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§ 15 Dissolution
The dissolution of Search And Recovery Canine Network (SARCN) shall be effected by decision of the Network Coordinator. Any remaining funds must be used for the intended purpose or for the public good.
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§ 16 Final provisions
Should any individual provisions of these Articles of Association be or become invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected (severability clause). German law shall apply.
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§ 17 Entry into force
These Articles of Association shall enter into force on 26 April 2026.
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