Chapter-3_Lesson-5.pdf

Lesson 5 Searches Lesson Goal You will be able to conduct a thorough and proper search of both people and facility areas. Think About This Do not underestimate what inmates can do with so much free time at their disposal. They can cre- ate or introduce contraband and hide it in the most obscure...

Lesson 5 Searches Lesson Goal You will be able to conduct a thorough and proper search of both people and facility areas. Think About This Do not underestimate what inmates can do with so much free time at their disposal. They can cre- ate or introduce contraband and hide it in the most obscure places. Conducting searches is critical in discovering contraband and maintaining safety and security. People tend to conceal contraband wherever they think officers are least likely to look. A door that is usually locked is left ajar, dirt is disturbed in the yard, or an inmate has bulging pockets: these are some indicators that a search should be initiated. Searches prevent the spread of contraband, weapons, and other dangerous items in a facility. A search can detect the manufacture of weapons and escape devices, or escape attempts. For example, during a fence inspection, you notice a washed-out area under the fence line. This early detection could prevent an escape or possible injury. ✅ CO305.1. Know the techniques for examining visitor property During a search you may also discover damaged facility property and health hazards. To avoid expo- sure to biohazardous materials, always use universal precautions and personal protective equipment when conducting a search. Gloves can range from latex or non-latex to puncture or cut-resistant gloves, which provide varying levels of protection while conducting area and person searches. When entering a facility, everyone and their property, including vehi- cles and keys, are subject to search. When examining property, open and search all bags, briefcases, books, and papers for contraband. Be sure to inspect all clothing items. Check containers for hidden compart- ments that may conceal unau- thorized items. You may conduct pat-down searches of visitors. Some agencies may have other resources, such as scanning devices, to comple- ment the search process. Figure 3-2 A typical day room in a correctional facility Chapter 3 Officer Safety / 99 ✅ CO305.2. Know the types of areas to be searched Searches should be conducted in all facility areas, includ- ing day rooms, cells, dormitories, recreation yards, kitch- ens, and parking lots. Structures and furnishings also need to be searched, including bars, locks, windows, doors, bunks, and chairs. You must search outside transport destinations, including work-release sites, courtrooms, or medical offices. ✅ CO305.3. Know how to conduct pat down of inmates Use your judgment to determine when to conduct a pat down of inmates to look for weapons and other contra- band. This may include searching inmates as they enter and exit the housing area. These types of searches are intended to prevent the movement and introduction of contraband within the facility. Chapter 5 contains infor- mation on searching an inmate and inmate property at intake or reception, and in Defensive Tactics, you will learn Figure 3-3 A typical cell the steps to conduct a pat down. Prior to the area search, subjects should also be searched and closely monitored. Always ask the subject if they have anything that would harm anyone during the course of the search, giving them the chance to reveal anything that may be concealed. This provides safety for the officer and prevents interference. Remove all people from a location being searched. While visually scanning the area, make a mental plan of how to conduct the search and select a starting point. Search in a thorough and system- atic manner. Search one area or item completely before going to the next. If you find contraband, secure it and continue until you complete the search. Return property or furnishings to their origi- nal condition and position. Never put your hands in places where you cannot also see what you are inspecting. Avoid rubbing or sliding your hands over objects or clothing; a pat or pat-and-squeeze method is recommended instead. ✅ CO305.4. Know how to conduct a systematic search of an area You may use one or more of the following search patterns for outside or large areas and may use modified versions for smaller areas: spiral search pattern—usually used by one person, this pattern begins at a central point and moves in increasingly larger circles to the outermost boundary of the search area. strip/line search pattern—usually used in a predetermined area by several people, this pattern divides the search area into lanes that are searched by one or more people in both directions until the entire area has been examined. 100 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1  grid search pattern—a variation of the strip/line search, this pattern overlaps a series of lanes in a cross pattern, making the search more methodical and thorough. zone/quadrant search pattern—used for searching large areas, this pattern divides the area into four sections and searches using one of the patterns above. Figure 3-4 Spiral search pattern Figure 3-5 Strip/line search pattern Figure 3-7 Zone/quadrant search pattern Figure 3-6 Grid search pattern Chapter 3 Officer Safety / 101 ✅ CO305.5. Know the common equipment used in searches While the techniques for conducting a search are important, it is also necessary to have the proper equipment. Equipment used during a person search includes gloves, metal detectors, ion and X-ray scanners, body imaging, or a canine. Equipment for an area search includes flashlights, screw- drivers, mirrors, probing devices, collection bags or containers, and forms to record any contraband found. Various types of search equipment include: flashlights—used to illuminate dim or unlit areas. screwdrivers—used to remove panels or covers. mirrors—used for viewing areas not easily seen, such as under or behind bunks, sinks, toilets, and other areas; mirrors can also be used to search above and beneath vehicles. Figure 3-8 A mirror used in searches probing devices—any item used to search holes, cracks, or hollow areas; one such method is using a wire to check grills, door tracks, faucets, and drains. bags or containers—used to collect contraband. notepads or other forms—used to record contraband found. metal detectors (handheld or walk-through)—devices, often found at the entrance and exit points of the facility, used to detect metallic objects or materials. When searching a bunk, the officer can scan the mattress instead of physically handling it. Using this method will protect the officer from possible injury and prevent the destruction of property. x-ray scanners—used to detect contraband in articles like shoes and clothes. canines and their handlers—specially trained to detect certain types of contraband such as drugs, other chemicals, and cell phones. 102 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1 Figures 3-9 and 3-10 Using a mirror to search a transport vehicle before unloading an inmate Figure 3-11 A handheld metal detector used in searches ✅ CO305.6. Know how to document details of an area search Once you complete the search, document the search details using logs, electronic databases, check- lists, or any other identified method. Details may include the subjects’ names, locations, items confiscated, and the officers who conducted the search. ✅ CO305.7. Know how to conduct a vehicle search All vehicles on facility property are subject to search, including visitors and staff vehicles. Inmate transport vehicles are of particular concern. You must thoroughly search all vehicles before and after transport. Conduct these searches systematically. Make sure you search all compartments and areas, including above and below the vehicle, the interior, the exterior, the engine, the glove box, the consoles, and the toolbox. Chapter 3 Officer Safety / 103