ACTION TO AVOID JEOPARDIZING SUBSEQUENT FIELD ACTIVITIES

Such efforts are commendable and have provided some useful information. However, apart from planning to deal with the physical risks associated with such ventures, there is a need to consider action to avoid jeopardizing subsequent field activities that could be conducted by the responsible authorities.

DISCUSSIONS WITH LOCALS

So as not to prejudice any such subsequent investigations, the following guidelines are suggested if you are discussing any of our six cases with locals, especially potential witnesses:

• Keep notes of any contact with local people concerning the incident.
• Be very careful not to give out any information that they can be given back to other investigators at a later date. Do not give specific information about the incident to the local people. (i.e. do not ask them if they know where a helicopter crashed on a specific date; rather, ask them if they know the date of any helicopter crash in the general area of interest.)

ACTUAL SITE INSPECTIONS

Should anyone locate the exact site of any of the incidents, or suspect that they have located any site containing human remains of any sort, certain procedures need to be followed. In particular, regarding any remains, there is a requirement for a demonstrable chain of custody to be established in that such remains must be accounted for from the time they are recovered through to their final disposition. To achieve this, should anyone locate an incident site which is suspected of containing human remains, it is suggested that the following guidelines be applied:

• Determine the exact location of your find, preferably by using a properly calibrated GPS.
• Photograph the site as it was found.
• Do not move things around more than necessary.
• Do not dig more than required to establish that there is something there.
• Photo-document any digging and make notes.
• Only remove items from the site if it is absolutely necessary.

PASSAGE OF INFORMATION

Should you have the good fortune to obtain any information relevant to any of our six cases, obviously OPERATION AUSSIES HOME would be most appreciative of being informed. Not only will such action ensure that we continue to work towards assembling all the relevant facts in one place, it will also enable OPERATION AUSSIES HOME to pass the information on to the relevant Australian and US authorities, and other interested parties.

MAPS AND INFORMATION

Should you, during your preparation for any such an expedition, require assistance in the form of maps or specific information on any of the six cases, please get in touch with OPERATION AUSSIES HOME.

Most of all, take care and follow the local rules!