Lesson 1Foot, vehicle, and mixed-mode patrol tacticsThis section contrasts tactics for foot, vehicle, and combined patrols. Participants will choose approaches based on landscape, dangers, and goals, and organize dismounts, drop-offs, and backups to enhance coverage while ensuring safety and discretion in Canadian terrain.
Foot patrol formations and spacingVehicle convoy and spacing rulesDismount and pick-up proceduresMixed-mode coverage of large areasTactics for rapid response patrolsLesson 2Route selection: covering patrol trails, outposts, entrance gate, high-value habitat, and access roadsThis section explores selecting and ranking patrol routes over trails, outposts, gates, habitats, and roads. Participants will weigh coverage, risks, terrain, and duration to craft routes that discourage threats and safeguard vital resources in Canadian parks.
Mapping trails and fixed outpostsSecuring entrance gates and checkpointsProtecting high-value wildlife habitatMonitoring access and logging roadsBalancing coverage, risk, and timeLesson 3Designing daily and nightly patrol schedules for a 7-day cycleThis section assists in developing feasible 7-day patrol schedules for daytime and nighttime. It includes shift planning, rest periods, route and role rotations, and incorporating intelligence and community happenings into weekly planning for Canadian operations.
Defining patrol objectives per weekDay versus night shift structuringRotating routes and ranger rolesIntegrating intel and local eventsReviewing and adjusting schedulesLesson 4Navigation and route recording: waypoint logging, trackback, map annotationThis section covers practical navigation and route documentation with GPS and maps. Participants will record waypoints, log paths, apply trackback, and mark maps to archive patrols, bolster evidence, and refine future planning in Canadian forests.
Waypoint naming and categorizationRecording and saving patrol tracksUsing trackback to retrace routesAnnotating paper and digital mapsExporting data for reports and casesLesson 5Patrol frequency models: continuous, randomization, hotspot-focusedThis section describes designing patrol frequency patterns to deter criminals and target hotspots. Participants will evaluate continuous, randomized, and hotspot-oriented models and blend them to align with threat intensities and available resources in Canada.
Continuous coverage model basicsRandomized patrol timing methodsHotspot-focused deployment plansAdapting models to seasonal threatsEvaluating deterrence effectivenessLesson 6Using simple tech: handheld GPS, VHF/UHF radios, camera traps placement and maintenance, acoustic sensors, drone employment principles if permittedThis section introduces using GPS, radios, camera traps, acoustic sensors, and drones where authorized. Participants will implement straightforward, dependable processes for setup, upkeep, data management, and safe, compliant fieldwork in Canadian forests.
Handheld GPS setup and field useVHF/UHF radio discipline basicsCamera trap placement and servicingAcoustic sensor roles and limitsDrone employment rules and safetyLesson 7Basic patrol equipment checklist: PPE, lights, radios, GPS, first aid, evidence collection kitThis section lists vital patrol equipment, emphasizing PPE, illumination, communications, navigation, first aid, and evidence kits. Participants will check preparedness, pack smartly, and maintain gear to enable safe, legal operations in Canadian wilderness.
Core PPE for forest patrol dutiesRadio, GPS, and lighting essentialsFirst aid kit contents and layoutEvidence collection kit and sealsPre-departure inspection routineLesson 8Night operations: movement discipline, use of lights, thermal/IR basic conceptsThis section readies rangers for secure, low-profile night patrols. It addresses movement control, noise and light management, fundamental thermal and IR ideas, and adjusting tactics for poor visibility while reducing risks to rangers, wildlife, and civilians in Canada.
Noise, spacing, and hand signalsUse of white, red, and dimmed lightsAvoiding backlighting and silhouettesBasics of thermal and IR detectionNight risk assessment and abort criteriaLesson 9Patrol team composition: optimal ranger numbers, pairing, lead roles, liaison with policeThis section clarifies structuring patrol teams, designating leaders, and outlining roles. It includes ideal team sizes, pairing methods, task assignments, and protocols for coordinating and communicating with police and security partners in Canadian contexts.
Determining optimal team sizeLead ranger and second-in-commandTracker, medic, and radio operator rolesPairing strategies for safetyLiaison procedures with police units
