Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best illustrates how an officer's attitude influences their mindset during building searches?
Which of the following best illustrates how an officer's attitude influences their mindset during building searches?
- An officer with a negative attitude is more likely to anticipate potential dangers and approach the search with heightened caution.
- An officer with a positive attitude will always find someone in the building.
- An officer's attitude has no impact on their mindset as mindset is purely determined by the physical demands of the job.
- An officer who dislikes overtime shifts for training may develop a mindset of disengagement leading to inadequate preparation. (correct)
What is the MOST accurate interpretation of the statement, 'there is no such thing as a 'false alarm'?'
What is the MOST accurate interpretation of the statement, 'there is no such thing as a 'false alarm'?'
- Officers should assume that every alarm is activated by an intruder until proven otherwise.
- Officers should prioritize alarms from commercial buildings over residential ones.
- Every alarm, regardless of its cause, warrants a thorough investigation as something triggered it. (correct)
- All alarms indicate an actual threat, regardless of previous experience with similar alarms.
How does complacency MOST negatively impact an officer's approach to building searches?
How does complacency MOST negatively impact an officer's approach to building searches?
- It promotes better teamwork as officers become more comfortable with their roles.
- It increases alertness due to the officer's familiarity with the building.
- It encourages quicker, more efficient searches, reducing the time spent in potentially dangerous environments.
- It diminishes the perception of potential threats, leading to inadequate preparedness. (correct)
Which scenario BEST illustrates the importance of physical fitness during a building search?
Which scenario BEST illustrates the importance of physical fitness during a building search?
How does a well-developed 'mindset' directly influence an officer's actions during a high-risk building search?
How does a well-developed 'mindset' directly influence an officer's actions during a high-risk building search?
An officer is dispatched to repeated alarm calls at the same commercial building. How should the officer balance their past experiences with the need for continued vigilance?
An officer is dispatched to repeated alarm calls at the same commercial building. How should the officer balance their past experiences with the need for continued vigilance?
During a building search, an officer must move through a narrow, dark tunnel. What element of physical fitness is MOST crucial in this scenario?
During a building search, an officer must move through a narrow, dark tunnel. What element of physical fitness is MOST crucial in this scenario?
What principle BEST describes the relationship between mental and physical preparation for law enforcement officers?
What principle BEST describes the relationship between mental and physical preparation for law enforcement officers?
What is the recommended immediate action after physically contacting a suspect during a search?
What is the recommended immediate action after physically contacting a suspect during a search?
Why is maintaining 'triangulation' important during a search operation?
Why is maintaining 'triangulation' important during a search operation?
After handcuffing and searching a suspect, what crucial step should officers undertake regarding information gathering?
After handcuffing and searching a suspect, what crucial step should officers undertake regarding information gathering?
When moving a suspect from a building after apprehension, what is the most critical element to consider, irrespective of the number of officers present?
When moving a suspect from a building after apprehension, what is the most critical element to consider, irrespective of the number of officers present?
In a scenario where there are exterior perimeter officers, what are the options for moving a suspect out of a building?
In a scenario where there are exterior perimeter officers, what are the options for moving a suspect out of a building?
Which type of alarm alerts security personnel without the intruder's knowledge?
Which type of alarm alerts security personnel without the intruder's knowledge?
Which of the following technologies are NOT typically used in motion sensors to trigger an alarm?
Which of the following technologies are NOT typically used in motion sensors to trigger an alarm?
What is the primary purpose of a tamper alarm?
What is the primary purpose of a tamper alarm?
Why should officers consider every activated alarm a training opportunity, even if no intruder is found?
Why should officers consider every activated alarm a training opportunity, even if no intruder is found?
When responding to a potential building search, what immediate action should officers take regarding their route of travel?
When responding to a potential building search, what immediate action should officers take regarding their route of travel?
Which of the following is a tactic officers often overlook when responding to calls that may result in a building search?
Which of the following is a tactic officers often overlook when responding to calls that may result in a building search?
Why is it important for officers to be cognizant of not announcing their arrival at a scene?
Why is it important for officers to be cognizant of not announcing their arrival at a scene?
What does the acronym K.I.S.S. stand for in the context of developing a tactical plan for a building search?
What does the acronym K.I.S.S. stand for in the context of developing a tactical plan for a building search?
An officer notices a box van with out-of-state plates parked on a side street near the location of an alarm call at 2 a.m. What should the officer do FIRST?
An officer notices a box van with out-of-state plates parked on a side street near the location of an alarm call at 2 a.m. What should the officer do FIRST?
Which alarm type utilizes sound frequencies to detect glass breaking, often mounted near glass panes for internal perimeter protection?
Which alarm type utilizes sound frequencies to detect glass breaking, often mounted near glass panes for internal perimeter protection?
A dual technology motion sensor combines two or more detection methods to:
A dual technology motion sensor combines two or more detection methods to:
Before conducting a structural search, officers should develop __________ that adheres to the K.I.S.S. principle.
Before conducting a structural search, officers should develop __________ that adheres to the K.I.S.S. principle.
What is the recommended course of action regarding emergency lights upon approaching the scene of a potential crime in progress at night?
What is the recommended course of action regarding emergency lights upon approaching the scene of a potential crime in progress at night?
What is the typical coverage area of a motion sensor?
What is the typical coverage area of a motion sensor?
Why is it important to establish an inner perimeter around the primary location of a potential suspect?
Why is it important to establish an inner perimeter around the primary location of a potential suspect?
Why is it important to avoid hugging walls during building searches?
Why is it important to avoid hugging walls during building searches?
In a two-man team moving down a hallway, what is the primary responsibility of the front cover position?
In a two-man team moving down a hallway, what is the primary responsibility of the front cover position?
What is the main advantage of using the side-by-side technique for two-man movements?
What is the main advantage of using the side-by-side technique for two-man movements?
Which of the following best describes the purpose of 'mirroring' in tactical operations?
Which of the following best describes the purpose of 'mirroring' in tactical operations?
What is the primary reason for varying the height or position when repeating a 'quick peek'?
What is the primary reason for varying the height or position when repeating a 'quick peek'?
Which tactical entry maneuver involves team members positioning themselves on the same side of the room initially?
Which tactical entry maneuver involves team members positioning themselves on the same side of the room initially?
In a three-man team movement, what happens to the coverage of a threat area once the team passes it?
In a three-man team movement, what happens to the coverage of a threat area once the team passes it?
In the 'slicing the pie' technique, which of the following is the most important principle to maintain officer safety?
In the 'slicing the pie' technique, which of the following is the most important principle to maintain officer safety?
What is a key characteristic of the 'buttonhook' entry technique?
What is a key characteristic of the 'buttonhook' entry technique?
Which factor is most crucial when prioritizing threat areas in hallway movements for a two-man team?
Which factor is most crucial when prioritizing threat areas in hallway movements for a two-man team?
What is a potential disadvantage of the 'same side' entry technique compared to the 'crossing pattern'?
What is a potential disadvantage of the 'same side' entry technique compared to the 'crossing pattern'?
What is the primary benefit of the tethered technique in two-man movements?
What is the primary benefit of the tethered technique in two-man movements?
When mirroring a doorway, where should an officer ideally position themself?
When mirroring a doorway, where should an officer ideally position themself?
In a three-person team, which member assumes responsibility for covering the rear of the team?
In a three-person team, which member assumes responsibility for covering the rear of the team?
Following the Quick Peek technique, what area should be mirrored first when using a mirror to clear a window?
Following the Quick Peek technique, what area should be mirrored first when using a mirror to clear a window?
What advantage does the Tethered technique offer during building searches compared to other movement strategies?
What advantage does the Tethered technique offer during building searches compared to other movement strategies?
In a typical four-person search team using a wedge formation, what is the primary responsibility of the point position?
In a typical four-person search team using a wedge formation, what is the primary responsibility of the point position?
Why can stairways be considered a significant safety threat during building searches?
Why can stairways be considered a significant safety threat during building searches?
When encountering a stairway with a turn between floors, what technique can officers utilize to initially clear the entrance before ascending or descending?
When encountering a stairway with a turn between floors, what technique can officers utilize to initially clear the entrance before ascending or descending?
What is the purpose of officers traversing together, with one moving backwards and the other forward, on stairways?
What is the purpose of officers traversing together, with one moving backwards and the other forward, on stairways?
During a building search, what should officers primarily focus on identifying to locate potential suspects?
During a building search, what should officers primarily focus on identifying to locate potential suspects?
Besides visually identifying parts of a person or items, what other sensory input can officers use to locate potential suspects during a building search?
Besides visually identifying parts of a person or items, what other sensory input can officers use to locate potential suspects during a building search?
Upon locating a potential suspect during a building search, what is the first action an officer should take?
Upon locating a potential suspect during a building search, what is the first action an officer should take?
Why is it important for an officer to loudly announce their presence and command a suspect to 'freeze' when contact is made during a building search?
Why is it important for an officer to loudly announce their presence and command a suspect to 'freeze' when contact is made during a building search?
What is the primary emphasis during the process of finding and contacting an individual during a building search?
What is the primary emphasis during the process of finding and contacting an individual during a building search?
When directing a suspect after they have been located, why should officers avoid entering a small space to gain control?
When directing a suspect after they have been located, why should officers avoid entering a small space to gain control?
What is a key principle regarding a suspect's hands once they have been located and are being controlled?
What is a key principle regarding a suspect's hands once they have been located and are being controlled?
Ideally, in what direction should a suspect face relative to the officers once they are located and being given commands?
Ideally, in what direction should a suspect face relative to the officers once they are located and being given commands?
To avoid confusion when controlling a suspect, how many officers should give commands?
To avoid confusion when controlling a suspect, how many officers should give commands?
Where should commands be given from, if tactically possible?
Where should commands be given from, if tactically possible?
Which flashlight technique involves holding the flashlight between the index and middle finger?
Which flashlight technique involves holding the flashlight between the index and middle finger?
Why is the FBI flashlight technique considered advantageous for clearing a room?
Why is the FBI flashlight technique considered advantageous for clearing a room?
What is a primary disadvantage of the Neck-Index flashlight technique?
What is a primary disadvantage of the Neck-Index flashlight technique?
In the context of team dynamics during a search, what happens if backup reinforcements are delayed?
In the context of team dynamics during a search, what happens if backup reinforcements are delayed?
What action characterizes 'slicing the pie' as an entry technique?
What action characterizes 'slicing the pie' as an entry technique?
In building search scenarios, what is a crucial responsibility of the cover officer upon arriving at the scene?
In building search scenarios, what is a crucial responsibility of the cover officer upon arriving at the scene?
How does the Rogers flashlight technique enhance a shooter's grip compared to other methods?
How does the Rogers flashlight technique enhance a shooter's grip compared to other methods?
What is the PRIMARY role of the dispatcher during a building search call?
What is the PRIMARY role of the dispatcher during a building search call?
What factor primarily distinguishes the Ayoob technique from the Chapman technique?
What factor primarily distinguishes the Ayoob technique from the Chapman technique?
What is a key responsibility of the primary officer when arriving at a building search scene?
What is a key responsibility of the primary officer when arriving at a building search scene?
What should an officer be aware of as they arrive on the scene?
What should an officer be aware of as they arrive on the scene?
What should you NOT do when using a flashlight technique?
What should you NOT do when using a flashlight technique?
What is one of the responsibilities of the Primary Officer?
What is one of the responsibilities of the Primary Officer?
What may officers rely on someone from the team to do?
What may officers rely on someone from the team to do?
Who created the Rogers flashlight technique?
Who created the Rogers flashlight technique?
What is the primary function of additional officers in a 3 or 4-person search team until a suspect is located?
What is the primary function of additional officers in a 3 or 4-person search team until a suspect is located?
When considering the use of lighting during a building search, what are the three main objectives an officer should have in mind?
When considering the use of lighting during a building search, what are the three main objectives an officer should have in mind?
During building searches, why is it important to use controlled light discipline, such as the burst-of-light technique?
During building searches, why is it important to use controlled light discipline, such as the burst-of-light technique?
How does understanding the difference between cover and concealment aid an officer during a tactical operation?
How does understanding the difference between cover and concealment aid an officer during a tactical operation?
Why is it crucial for officers to be familiar with their agency's policies regarding building searches?
Why is it crucial for officers to be familiar with their agency's policies regarding building searches?
What factors should be considered when assessing the need for additional officers during a building search?
What factors should be considered when assessing the need for additional officers during a building search?
In a use-of-force situation, what is the tactical advantage of using concealment before and during a confrontation?
In a use-of-force situation, what is the tactical advantage of using concealment before and during a confrontation?
Before initiating a building search, what key questions should officers consider regarding the location and potential threats?
Before initiating a building search, what key questions should officers consider regarding the location and potential threats?
During a building search, what is the primary purpose of using the 'Harries' flashlight technique?
During a building search, what is the primary purpose of using the 'Harries' flashlight technique?
Which of the following considerations is LEAST relevant when preparing to enter a building for a search?
Which of the following considerations is LEAST relevant when preparing to enter a building for a search?
Why is it important to establish who will be the search and control officer prior to entering a building?
Why is it important to establish who will be the search and control officer prior to entering a building?
What is the main difference between cover and concealment in a tactical situation?
What is the main difference between cover and concealment in a tactical situation?
What is a potential risk of using constant, direct illumination during a building search, and how does the 'burst-of-light' technique mitigate this?
What is a potential risk of using constant, direct illumination during a building search, and how does the 'burst-of-light' technique mitigate this?
What is the purpose of knowing if there are available keys or a floor plan of the building prior to conducting a search?
What is the purpose of knowing if there are available keys or a floor plan of the building prior to conducting a search?
What is the significance of knowing if the alarm company has given a point of entry for an auto alarm during a building search?
What is the significance of knowing if the alarm company has given a point of entry for an auto alarm during a building search?
Flashcards
Attitude
Attitude
A state of mind, feeling, and disposition that influences behavior.
Mindset
Mindset
A fixed mental attitude that predetermines your response to a situation.
Prepared Mindset
Prepared Mindset
Having a positive focus and demonstrating appropriate behavior for the task.
Complacency
Complacency
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Security Alarm
Security Alarm
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Building Search Mindset
Building Search Mindset
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Physical Demands of Building Searches
Physical Demands of Building Searches
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Types of Alarm Locations
Types of Alarm Locations
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Silent Alarm
Silent Alarm
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Audible Alarm
Audible Alarm
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Door Alarm
Door Alarm
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Motion Alarm
Motion Alarm
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Dual Technology Sensors
Dual Technology Sensors
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Glass Break Detector
Glass Break Detector
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Tamper Alarm
Tamper Alarm
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Fire Alarm
Fire Alarm
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Activated Alarms
Activated Alarms
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Route to the Call
Route to the Call
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Check the perimeter
Check the perimeter
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Building Information
Building Information
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Inner Perimeter
Inner Perimeter
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Black Out Unit
Black Out Unit
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Tactical Action Plan
Tactical Action Plan
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Avoid Crossfire ('Triangulation')
Avoid Crossfire ('Triangulation')
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Immediate Handcuffing
Immediate Handcuffing
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Thorough Search After Handcuffing
Thorough Search After Handcuffing
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Suspects Lie
Suspects Lie
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Communicate During Suspect Movement
Communicate During Suspect Movement
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Cover
Cover
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Concealment
Concealment
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Burst-of-Light Technique
Burst-of-Light Technique
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Objectives of Flashlight Use
Objectives of Flashlight Use
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Harries Method
Harries Method
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Pre-Building Search Considerations
Pre-Building Search Considerations
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Why use a flashlight
Why use a flashlight
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Accidental silhouetting
Accidental silhouetting
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Additional Officer's Function (Search Team)
Additional Officer's Function (Search Team)
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Search and Control Officer
Search and Control Officer
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Difference between cover and concealment
Difference between cover and concealment
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Flashlight and Weapon skills
Flashlight and Weapon skills
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Ballistic Protection
Ballistic Protection
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Hiding from a threat
Hiding from a threat
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Using the flashlight continuously
Using the flashlight continuously
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"Ice Pick" Flashlight Grip
"Ice Pick" Flashlight Grip
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Chapman Flashlight Technique
Chapman Flashlight Technique
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Ayoob Flashlight Technique
Ayoob Flashlight Technique
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Rogers Flashlight Technique
Rogers Flashlight Technique
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Neck-Index Flashlight Technique
Neck-Index Flashlight Technique
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FBI Flashlight Technique
FBI Flashlight Technique
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Primary Officer
Primary Officer
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Cover Officer
Cover Officer
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Primary Officer - Intel Gathering
Primary Officer - Intel Gathering
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Cover Officer - Communication Role
Cover Officer - Communication Role
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Primary Officer - Entry/Exit Points
Primary Officer - Entry/Exit Points
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Setting the Perimeter
Setting the Perimeter
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Establishing the Search Team
Establishing the Search Team
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Rules of Engagement
Rules of Engagement
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Slicing the Pie
Slicing the Pie
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Mirroring Technique
Mirroring Technique
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Quick Peek
Quick Peek
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Crossing Pattern Entry
Crossing Pattern Entry
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Same Side Entry
Same Side Entry
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Buttonhook Entry
Buttonhook Entry
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Wall Clearance
Wall Clearance
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Ricochet Distance
Ricochet Distance
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Side-by-Side Technique
Side-by-Side Technique
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Front Cover Responsibility
Front Cover Responsibility
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Rear Guard Responsibility
Rear Guard Responsibility
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Threat Prioritization
Threat Prioritization
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Side-by-Side Benefits
Side-by-Side Benefits
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Thethered Technique Benefits
Thethered Technique Benefits
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Three-Man Movement Coverage
Three-Man Movement Coverage
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Linear Side-by-Side Technique
Linear Side-by-Side Technique
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Tethered Technique
Tethered Technique
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Four-Man Movement Roles
Four-Man Movement Roles
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Point Position Responsibility
Point Position Responsibility
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Left Cover Responsibility
Left Cover Responsibility
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Right Cover Responsibility
Right Cover Responsibility
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Rear Officer Responsibility
Rear Officer Responsibility
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Stairway Approach
Stairway Approach
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"Slicing the Pie" or Mirror Technique
"Slicing the Pie" or Mirror Technique
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Stairway Movement Technique
Stairway Movement Technique
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Person 'Parts' to Look For
Person 'Parts' to Look For
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Person 'Items' to Look For
Person 'Items' to Look For
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Person 'Behaviors' to Look For
Person 'Behaviors' to Look For
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Announcing Presence Benefits
Announcing Presence Benefits
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Suspect Control Tactic
Suspect Control Tactic
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Study Notes
- Preparation for a safe building search begins with the right mental attitude and mindset.
- A prepared mindset involves a positive focus on the mission and appropriate behavior.
- Officers should treat every alarm as if they are going to find someone in the building, overcoming complacency.
- Physical fitness is crucial for law enforcement officers due to the demanding physical tasks involved in building searches.
- These tasks include maintaining cover positions and prolonged crouching, which can cause fatigue.
Alarm Systems
- Security alarms are systems designed to detect unauthorized entry into a building and can be found in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
- Recognizing the different types of alarms is important because they may require different tactics.
- Silent: Alerts authorities without the intruder's knowledge.
- Audible: Uses sound, visuals, or other signals to indicate a problem, often with a siren.
- Door: Triggered when a door is opened.
- Motion: Detects movement using infrared, ultrasonic, vibration, or contact technology.
- Glass Break: Detects sound frequencies associated with glass breaking.
- Tamper: Activated when there is interference with the control box or devices.
- Fire: Detects smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, or other emergencies to warn people.
- Every activated alarm is a training opportunity for self-critique and learning, and there is no such thing as a "false alarm".
Considerations Before Arrival
- When responding to a call that may result in a building search, you should formulate a plan of action regarding the route of travel.
- While en route, officers should consider potential escape routes and evasion tactics by suspects.
- A sound knowledge of the beat and surrounding areas is required to anticipate suspect movements and know where assistance will come from.
- Five often overlooked tactics when responding to building search calls include:
- Checking for suspicious persons or vehicles in the general vicinity.
- Checking for suspicious persons or vehicles around the immediate area.
- Checking for suspicious persons or vehicles leaving the area.
- Talking with witnesses or the reporting party for information on past history or building layout.
- Establishing an inner perimeter to block potential escape routes.
- Officers should avoid announcing their arrival, "blacking out" their unit, and minimizing noise.
Considerations Upon Arrival
- Before entering a building, a tactical plan of action should be determined, keeping in mind the K.I.S.S. principle (Keep It Safe and Simple).
- Considerations for the tactical plan include assessing suspect descriptions, witness presence, open or broken entry points, alarm company information, and the presence of people inside.
- Additional factors to consider are notifying responsible parties, floor plan availability, key access, entry points, search team roles, specialized tactics, canine unit availability, communication methods, and procedures for suspect encounters.
- The plan must also consider the number of officers needed, setting up search teams, perimeter control, potential hazards, and lighting conditions within the building.
- Officers should always be familiar with their agency policies that may govern actions for this type of call.
Cover vs. Concealment
- Cover is an obstacle that an adversary cannot shoot through, providing ballistic protection.
- Concealment hides an officer's location but may not provide ballistic protection.
- Understanding the difference between cover and concealment is crucial for officer survival.
- Cover can prevent an officer from getting shot, while concealment can create surprise.
Light Control
- Flashlights are necessary tools with tactical uses in building searches.
- When using a flashlight to illuminate an area, three objectives should be considered: illuminating the area, blinding/disorienting a suspect, and protecting from being seen.
- Properly using the flashlight and duty weapon together is a skill that needs to be practiced.
- The "burst-of-light" technique involves short bursts of light to identify what is seen, reduce accidental silhouetting, minimize night vision impairment, cause temporary vision loss for suspects, and allow the search team to move to a new position.
- Flashlight shooting techniques include:
- Harries: Using an "ice pick" grip with the flashlight and pressing the backs of the hands together.
- Chapman: Holding the flashlight in a "sword" grip alongside the gun.
- Ayoob: Holding the flashlight in an overhand "sword" grip and bringing both thumbs together.
- Rogers: Holding the light between the index and middle fingers, bringing it to the side of the gun, and touching thumbs.
- Neck-Index: Holding the flashlight in an "ice pick" grip close to the jaw and neck.
- FBI Technique: Holding the flashlight in the "ice pick" grip up in the air and away from the body to disorient an attacker.
Teamwork
- The success of a police team depends on the performance of individual officers.
- Every officer is a crucial element to the task at hand.
- Officers must be prepared to carry out specific roles in a team.
Primary/Cover Officer Responsibilities
- Building search calls typically originate with a dispatcher contacting a primary officer for the call and backup officer.
- Primary Officer Responsibilities:
- Gather crime, suspect, and victim information.
- Communicate with dispatch about the number and positioning of cover units.
- Be aware of suspicious vehicles or persons in the area.
- Identifying points of entry/exit.
- Setting the perimeter.
- Establishing the search team.
- Establish rules of engagement.
- Initiate Search
- Cover Officer Responsibilities:
- Being observant and aware of responsibilities
- Taking approaches that are likely escape routes for suspects
- Setting up a perimeter if needed.
- Communicate with primary officer
- Assist with search
- Gather intel
- Remain flexible
Tactical Movements
- There are no fail-safe entry techniques; all techniques have pros and cons.
Clearing Entry Points
- There exist three basic methods to clear a room or area prior to a search team making an entry.
- Slicing the pie
- Mirroring
- Quick peek
Slicing the Pie
- Begins by standing back from the opening while weapon is raised.
- Then slowly, with small steps, move sideways.
- At the same time lean out to expand field of view.
- Shuffle your steps slowly
Mirroring
- If a mirror can be used to clear the entry point, or other unknown areas, then by all means use it.
- Mirror from the center of the doorway outward to the front, inside corners of the room.
- If the area to be mirrored is a window or similar type opening, mirror at the bottom front corners first, then move inward.
- As one officer mirrors the other officer covers the point of entry.
Quick Peek
- Quickly look from cover (expose no more than one eye and part of your face.
- Do not do a quick peek from the same level twice in a row.
Types of Entries
- Once the entry point is cleared, there are three basic tactical maneuvers, which can be used to gain access into the building, room, or area.
- Crossing Pattern
- Same Side
- Buttonhook
Crossing Pattern
- A room entry technique in which each operator makes entry by rapidly crossing through the doorway to a position inside, and opposite of where the operator began his entry.
Same Side
- During same side entry team members initially position themselves on the same side of the room.
- This may be necessary because of the close proximity of adjoining rooms or the area is so small it restricts movement.
- This can result in less coverage of angles and team members are a larger target for the threat to engage
Buttonhook
- A room entry technique in which two officers quickly and aggressively step around the door frame and well into the inside
- Is out of the “fatal funnel” zone to the respective door which the officer was originally lined up beside.
Movement Tactics - Walls
- You should never hug a wall or brush against it as you move
- Stay a distance of between 8” to 12”
Reasons for this are
- False Sense of Security
- Ricochet Effect
- Sound Transmission
- Staying too close to a wall limits maneuverability
Hallways
- Two-Man Movements
- The two-man team can use either the side-by-side technique or the tethered technique.
- front cover position has responsibility for the 180-degree angle to the front
- rear-guard position has the responsibility for the 180-degree angle to the rear.
- Three-Man Movements
- Three-Man team movement offers more coverage to the front (the direction of travel).
- Four-Man Movements
- Four officers are rarely available to be utilized
Stairways
- Stairways, like hallways, pose a safety threat for officers searching a building. Stairways must always be approached cautiously.
- Utilization of the “slicing the pie” technique or a mirror can be used to clear the entrance to a stairway.
- Agencies may elect to have their officers use the technique of traversing together, one moving backwards, facing upwards towards the cut-back area, while the other officer moves forward, facing the landing to the cut-back area, as they move simultaneously together up the stairs.
- Officers should move in a coordinated effort, slowly, systematically, and quietly when making any movements up or down the stairs.
Controlling Found Suspects
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Concentrate on locating a foot, an elbow, a knee, a hand, a shoulder
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Items of clothing that are not part of the environment in which they are located
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Listen for audible sounds of movement
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By conducting a slow, systematic, and deliberate search, the proper officer safety tactics are more likely to be used
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Upon located a subject or known suspect an officer should not rush into anything. An officer should identify themselves and with authority command the individual to “freeze”.
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An officer’s loud announcement has alerted his partner(s) that a subject has been located.
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An officer’s immediate identification of who they are dispels any doubt in the subject’s mind as to who is confronting them.
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Officer’s loud authoritative voice to demand that the subject “freezes” negates any allegations by the subject that he did not hear who was confronting them.
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Never go into a small space in an attempt to gain control over a suspect.
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Command suspect to move to an area of advantage for the officers.
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Always keep the suspect’s hands in view.
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If tactically possible, always have the subject face away from officers.
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To avoid any confusion, only one officers gives commands
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The contact officer should holster and secure his weapon before making any physical contact with the suspect.
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The suspect should be handcuffed immediately.
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Conduct a thorough search immediately after handcuffing Gather additional information from the suspect after searching
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Suspects Lie, so remain alert and use extreme caution
Moving a Suspect
- The suspect is handcuffed and now needs to be moved out of the building.
- Communication between the officers (both in and out of the building) and dispatch is key to any suspect movement.
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Description
Explore the influence of an officer's attitude on building searches. Understand the importance of vigilance, physical fitness, and mental preparation in high-risk scenarios. Learn how mindset directly impacts actions and the interpretation of alarm calls.
