FCSO Says Its Free Scent Tracking Kits Could Help Find Missing Persons More Easily

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Bunnell, FL – The Flagler County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) is now offering scent tracking kits to residents in hopes of giving families more peace of mind should a loved one ever go missing.  

Residents are encouraged to visit the Sheriff's Operation Center in Bunnell to pick up a free scent tracking kit by Find M' Friends Inc. The kit, which includes a wipe and an air-tight container, can be picked up at the Sheriff’s Operation Center located at 901 East Moody Boulevard in Bunnell or can be obtained by calling 386-437-4116. 

After rubbing the wipe along their neck, arms, face, and back of their hands, the wipe should be stored in the provided air-tight container and labeled with the name of the person who was swabbed. The container must be stored in a safe, dry area out of direct sunlight. 

“The entire process takes only moments and it could be the difference between life and death should you or a loved ever go missing,” said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. “From our experience, those prone to going missing are adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s and searching for them takes a lot of resources and this might allow us to find them faster. These scent tracking kits could save a life and we are providing them to anyone who would like one free of charge.” 

If a person who completes a scent tracking kit goes missing, the FCSO's tracking K-9s or bloodhounds from Tomoka Correctional will be able to have a pure sample of that individual's scent. According to the FCSO, this resource may help investigators find missing persons more easily.  

Last year, the Ormond Beach Police Department (OBPD) introduced a similar test kit for its residents. According to the OBPD, caretakers of adults or children who are at high-risk of going missing or wandering off can pick up a free kit by calling the OBPD Outreach Unit at 386-676-3553. For earlier reporting on this story, click here. 

Photo courtesy FCSO.