Search Tactics SO OPS 5 PDF

**SEARCH TACTICS** **TABLE OF DOCUMENT DETAILS** +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Title | | +===================================+===================================+ | Reference No...

**SEARCH TACTICS** **TABLE OF DOCUMENT DETAILS** +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Title | | +===================================+===================================+ | Reference No | SO OPS 5 | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Relevant Department or Group | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Ownership | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Document Author | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Approved by | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Approval Date | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Implementation Date | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | To be Reviewed Date | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Last Revised Date by | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Quality Assured by | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Protective Marking | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Linked to other | | | | | | Standing Order | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Relevant Legislation | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Pages | | | | | | (including this page) | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ [Introduction](#INTRODUCTION) [Section 1](#INTRODUCTION) ------------------------------------------------------------------ -- ---------------------------------------------------- [Definitions](#DEFINITION) [Section 2](#DEFINITION) [Aim and Objectives of Search](#AIMS) [Section 3](#AIMS) [General considerations](#GENERAL) [Section 4](#GENERAL) [Search Operations](#SEARCHOPERATIONS) [Section 5](#SEARCHOPERATIONS) [Military Terminology](#MILITARY) [Section 6](#MILITARY) [Health and Safety precautions for Police search teams](#HEALTH) [Section 7](#HEALTH) [Police search team utilisation](#POLICE) [Section 8](#POLICE) [Search methodology](#SEARCHMETHODOLOGY) [Section 9](#SEARCHMETHODOLOGY) [Evidence gathering](#EVIDENCE) [Section 10](#EVIDENCE) [The use of Military Working Dogs](#THEUSEOFDOGHANDLERS) [Section 11](#THEUSEOFDOGHANDLERS) [ ] [Person's search (Initial-Detail-Strip-Intimate)](#PERSONSEARCH) [Section 12](#PERSONSEARCH) [Vehicle Search](#VEHICLE) [Section 13](#VEHICLE) [Building Search](#BUILDING) [Section 14](#BUILDING) [Area Search](#AREA) [Section 15](#AREA) [Glossary and Abbreviations](#GLOSSARY) [Section 16](#GLOSSARY) **TABLE OF CONTENTS\ **[]{#INTRODUCTION.anchor}**1. Introduction** **1.1** The purpose of this Standing Order is to provide guidance for the planning and conduct of Search which covers **a.** criminal activity and **b.** terrorist threat. Search is an integral part of a police officers activity often covering persons, vehicles and buildings, ranging from persons in custody, recovery of stolen goods, weapons and controlled drugs. In 1960 formal Counter Terrorist Search (CTS) training was established for the police service which recognised the growth in domestic extremism. Training has been aimed at countering that threat, but it must be acknowledged that the systematic search procedures have a relevance to all forms of police search activity and capability. The search tactics taught by Polsa's aim to enhance daily and routine search as well as in pre-planned operations. []{#DEFINITION.anchor} **2. Definition of significant events** 2.1 The SBA Police currently has two trained PolSA, one in each Division. One of these acts as the Senior PolSA in respect of major operations/incidents that may involve other agencies eg Cypol. Currently our officers are trained / refreshed once a year on basic tactics: - Person search tactics - Building search tactics - Vehicle search tactics basic level **(delivered by SBAP/PTU)** - Area search tactics - Fingerprint search tactics - Route search tactics & motorways - Venue search tactics - Multi-venue search tactics intermediate level **(available by SBAP/PTU)** - Terrorist Resources & threats - Missing persons search tactics - IED's, Mortars, MANPADS... **Low risk environments only** - Boat search tactics - Aircraft search tactics - Railway search tactics advanced level **(available through MASBAA procedure)** - **3.** []{#AIMS.anchor}**Aims and Objectives of Search** **3.1** The aim of search tactics is to assist in the prevention of terrorism and criminality. The aim is achieved by the following objectives: **3.2** **Prior to search always consider the following acronym principal P.L.A.N** **4.** []{#GENERAL.anchor}**General Considerations** **4.1 Basic Search Awareness** All police officers will be given basic search awareness. Such training addresses the minimum needs of all police officers members of the service to be aware of terrorist related activity. Officers should have a basic knowledge of search systems which will be taught during initial training. **4.2 Search Teams** Police search teams are typically led by a Sergeant (Team Leader), who may be supported by a "scribe" responsible for all documentation and staffed by pairs of Constable searchers up to a maximum of three pairs per team. Such teams trained in CTS must initially qualify in the internal Police Training Unit initial course undertaken in force by a valid PolSA licensed through the Police National Search Centre. PST members will upon successful completion of the initial course be licensed to undertake counter terrorist searches in **low risk environments only**. To remain licensed, officers should ideally undertake a minimum of four operational searches per year, under the direction of a PolSA, with no period of inactivity greater than six months. Two days refresher training will take place every three years. Because of the numbers of personnel involved it is the responsibility of the individual division's / TCUs to ensure that the minimum ACPO recommended standards of search team activity and training are complied with, in liaison with the Training Department. In the event that the minimum standards / competencies are not being met, then a Police Search Adviser may suspend a Police Search Team member's 'licence' to undertake counter terrorism searches until such time of review or remedial action has been taken, in accordance with local divisional procedures. Divisions will support a licensing through their TCU functions. **4.3 Search Advisers**. Police Search Advisers are able to plan, conduct and control low risk counter terrorist searches \[and conventional crime searches to assist SIOs and SOCO Officers) performed by their trained search teams and in accordance with the I.I.M.A.R.C.H model. They can offer advice on all search matters, including counter terrorism. All SBAP Search Advisers will qualify after completing a four-week residential course at the Police National Search Centre in the UK. Qualification lasts for five years, subject to them conducting at least four operational searches per year and with no period of inactivity greater than six months. Once qualified they are issued with a Police Search Advisers Log Book in which all searches must be recorded and countersigned by an appropriate line manager. Successful Search Advisers are required to receive refresher training and re-licence after five years. It is the responsibility of the individual PolSA to ensure that the necessary re-licensing course is attended prior to the expiry of the previous authority. No exceptions can be made as this is a strict requirement of ACPO TAM. Where a Search Adviser fails to meet the above licensing requirements, the DCC will be advised via the Training school and invited to consider whether the officer is suitable to attend a further four-week initial Police Search Adviser course. **4.4. Search Co-ordinator**. Police Search Co-ordinators attend a one-week course at the Police National Search Centre, and are responsible for co-ordinating all "Search" matters and are a focal point for this activity. Operationally this includes the co-ordination of responsibilities and response when more than one Search Adviser is employed, perhaps at different venues but for the same overall event. The Search Adviser will deal with the more detailed conduct of searches but the Co-ordinator can adjudicate over early planning and ensure the appropriate dispersal of resources. **4.5 Selection of Personnel**. Operational Intelligence Unit will use the log to assist in the preparation of the monthly Divisional Tension Indicator report for the monthly Divisional Performance Review. **5.** []{#SEARCHOPERATIONS.anchor}**Search Operations** **5.1 Risk** Counter Terrorist Search operations are classified into one of two levels of risk: **Low Risk:** When there is no reason to believe that a bomb or other incendiary device is present. **High Risk:** When there is either known to be, or special reason to believe, that a bomb or other incendiary device is present. Search team personnel must be made aware of those searches that may be potentially 'High Risk' and then given the option as to whether to search or not. Such circumstances where a search is required would be where life is in danger and military resources are not immediately available and delay could result in loss of life. These circumstances require authorisation of the Chief Constable or Deputy Chief Constable. In their absence, Divisional Commanders will make this decision acting on their behalf. Search Advisers are made aware of the circumstances at which point they should seek, through their line management, military assistance in the form of Royal Engineer High Risk Search expertise -- ATO use. MACA procedure (MASSBA) through CC / DCC applies. **6.** []{#MILITARY.anchor}**Military Terminology** **6.1** An awareness of military terminology will be of benefit when planning a search involving units gained through Military Aid to Civil Authorities (MACA) or Military Aid to the Civil Powers (MACP) (The MASSBA procedure in Cyprus). The Military Engineers Counter Terrorist Search manual identifies three types of search capability utilised for their search operations. - Threat -- The likelihood of an improvised explosive or non-explosive device being present. - Hazards - The threat from other hazards, e.g., confined space, heights. - Level of assurance - The degree of assurance required. **7.** []{#HEALTH.anchor}**Health and safety precautions for the Police Search teams** The Home Office has completed a generic risk assessment for police search team activity. This document has been adopted by all forces including the SBAP. It is incumbent upon police officers to be aware of the contents of this particular document and understand its directions. **7.1 Safety** Counter terrorist search activity will inevitably include an element of risk by reason of the intention of the terrorists to use violence for political ends. This may well be aimed at those involved in countering their efforts. The type of weapons sought during searches are items which, by their very nature, present some danger to those in close proximity. Consequently, safety is an overriding consideration. **7.2 Hazards with potentially fatal consequences** **7.3 Exposure to risk in the workplace** **7.4 Special hazards to women officers** **7.5 Hazards which may give rise to ill-health sometime after exposure** **8.** []{#POLICE.anchor}**Police search team utilisation** **8.1** - - - - - - **8.2 Police minimum manpower (ideal scenario)** - - - - - - - - **9.** []{#SEARCHMETHODOLOGY.anchor}**Search methodology** **9.1 Actions on a Find** **9.2 Action on a Find - General considerations** **9.3 Safety** **9.4. The Finder** **DO NOT USE PERSONAL RADIOS OR MOBILES** **WITHIN 15 METRES OF A SUSPECT DEVICE** **9.5 INFORMATION FOR IED / ATO OPERATOR** **9.6 The Team Leader** #### 9.7 The Search Adviser ##### For a device up to briefcase size 100 metres minimum **a**. Not be over handled. **b**. The search should stop at that sight. **9.8 Search of Buildings** **a**. Where possible, the finder should not over handle or interfere with the find. **9.9 Search of Routes and Motorways** **10.** []{#EVIDENCE.anchor} **Evidence gathering** **10.1** Where there are suspicions that a premise is being, or has been used by terrorists, consideration must be given as to how premises are entered and searched. Firstly, consideration should be regarding any danger, whether from the occupants or what they may have left. Secondly, every effort must be made to retain all possible forensic evidence. Thirdly, a systematic search should ensure that items of relevance/evidence are recovered. **10.2 Principles** Forensic evidence plays a vital part in the successful prosecution of terrorists and others. For such evidence to be admissible and credible in court it must be correctly dealt with in line with the following evidence gathering principles: a. The minimum number of persons should deal with seized evidence. b. No one seized item should ever come into contact with another. c. Persons dealing with such items must avoid cross contamination, by the appropriate use of quality disposable gloves, bags etc. d. Items should be separately labelled, packaged and logged. e. Where evidence from a suspects clothing (eg fibres) may be of forensic value, care must be taken to prevent cross contamination between individuals and items. f. Continuity in the movement of evidence must be maintained. For dealing with specific items the following rules should be observed: **c. Books, papers and documents**. These should only be touched by the edges to avoid destroying any latent fingerprint impressions. The searcher's job is to find the item and then allow, if practicable, recovery by SOCO. **10.3 Search of Bomb Scenes** The Commander of S.O.15 (Counter Terrorism Command) of the Metropolitan Police has responsibility for the national co-ordination of the investigation of terrorist incidents which occur on the UK mainland. A Holmes database is continually running to identify and evaluate commonality between incidents. The SBAs do not enjoy this level of support, however early contact will be made with SO15 via GOLD to ascertain the level of service that can be provided to support the SBA Police. This will then be cascaded to those involved. Police officers are likely to be dispatched to the scene of any suspected IED explosion and the initial actions taken may well dictate the outcome of an investigation. **A scene of an explosion is a major crime scene.** Following the report of an explosion (whether identified as a terrorist act or not), the SBAP are to cordon the area, evacuate when necessary, divert traffic, alert SMT and notify other Agencies under the Bronze, Silver, Gold structure. **11.** []{#THEUSEOFDOGHANDLERS.anchor}**The use of Military Working Dogs** **11.1 Search dogs** **11.2 Handler** **11.3 Briefing search dog handlers** **b. Reason** **f. persons present /family** **c. Areas** **g. sent in the area or building** **d. Time** **12.** []{#PERSONSEARCH.anchor}**Persons search (Initial -- Detail -- Strip -- Intimate)** **12.1** Persons must be searched because offenders can conceal items on their clothing or body. Items found are directly attributable, increasing the chances of a conviction and making this type of search particularly important. Great care must be taken when carrying out a person search. Importantly, people searched may have no involvement in the matter, which makes it imperative that a thorough and professional search takes place that complies with law. These factors make it imperative that searches of people are: **a**. Only conducted in circumstances which can be legally justified. **b**. Carried out in accordance to local procedures. **c**. Searches must be conducted thoroughly and systematically. Searches must only be conducted in accordance with certain codes of practice as directed by local procedures. People are likely to be searched: **a**. As a routine, where they voluntarily enter a building or area and search is a condition of entry. **b**. At an incident check point, legally authorised either under Judges Rules or Terrorism Act legislation. **c**. When reasonable grounds for suspicion exist that the person is in possession of stolen or prohibited articles and search powers exist. **d**. When a person has been arrested. **e**. As part of the custody procedure. **12.2 Constraints** The following are the principle constraints with regard to the search of persons: **a**. The search must be conducted by a person of the same sex as the person to be searched. **b**. Generally, there is no power to require a person to remove clothing in public other than an outer coat, jacket or gloves. A search requiring the removal of more than outer clothing may be conducted anywhere, as long as it is not in the public view. **c**. Strip searches should only be conducted upon the authority of a custody officer, when a person has been detained and is in a police station. **d**. Intimate body searches, involving the internal examination of body orifices may only be carried out by a medical practitioner or registered nurse, having first obtained the relevant authority as directed by local force procedures. **e**. A search should only be conducted to the detail necessary to discover what is being sought. These constraints and other factors lead to the search of persons being carried out at various levels of detail (categories), which are dictated by: **a**. What is being sought. **b**. The legal justification. **c**. The permissible extent of the removal of clothing. **d**. The necessary intimacy of the search. **12.3 Categories of search** There are four categories of search of persons: a. b. c. d. **12.3.1 Initial Person search.** The person search is normally carried out: **12.3.2 Detailed Person search.** A detailed person search is normally conducted: **Procedure**: **12.3.3 Strip search**. Strip searches must only be conducted: **12.3.4** **Intimate search** **12.4 Records and reports**. The documentation of search operations is described in Section 6, which refers to examples of the various forms to be used. For all categories of person search the police should complete a Search Record (Person/Vehicle). **13.**[]{#VEHICLE.anchor} **Vehicle Search** **13.1** Vehicles are searched for two main reasons: **13.2 Avoidance of Search**. Mobile terrorists and other criminals may try to avoid being searched and may be working in liaison with others. Signs to watch out for are: **a**. Be aware of body language of driver/ passenger(s) and its interpretation. **b**. Look for anything suspicious or out of place such as: **b 1**. Drivers wearing gloves may be trying not to leave finger prints. **b 2.** Vehicles with "out of place" occupants. **13.3 The Search**. Searchers must be courteous, efficient and thorough. They must not be put off searching the interior of vehicles by the presence of children, babies, pets, old people, or those that are apparently sick or drunk. A suggested procedure for vehicle search is: **13.4 Additional procedures for CTS**. Specialist equipment may be available for use on the search of vehicles including explosive vapour detectors and mass/density anomaly detectors. Use of this equipment must always accord with manufacturers instructions and be by trained operators. If unavailable use MACA procedure. **14.** []{#BUILDING.anchor}**Building Search** **14.1** This section is primarily concerned with the conduct of **offensive** search of buildings. It is expected that all such searches will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of all relevant legislation. The **defensive** search of buildings is addressed at Section 4.12 under **VENUE SEARCH**. -Planning ========= -Entry related building search forms on SBAPS cover these requirements ====================================================================== -Search ======= -Exit ===== **15.** []{#AREA.anchor}**Area Search** **15.1** This type of search can sometimes lend itself to the possibility of concealing a find for further policing action - particularly the establishment of surveillance. Such matters need careful consideration before the search commences and decisions taken as what action is required by a searcher in the event of a non-explosive or explosive find. If the possibility exists that explosives \[of any kind\] are likely to be found, (the Search Adviser must consider whether the search is moving towards a "High Risk" scenario), then specific expert advice must be obtained from ATO prior to the commencement of the operation. ATO should be on scene as the search progresses and be available to immediately render expert assistance. **Introduction.** Open areas are often used as the sites for hides as they have the advantage that they can be watched from nearby properties without being attributable to individuals. Although normally associated with a rural environment, open spaces occur in an urban setting in the form of parks, gardens or even waste or derelict ground. Therefore, the areas to be searched using this procedure may vary from the side of a hill to a back garden. **Planning.** Area searches are dependent on good planning for success and the following points are particularly relevant to the planning and conduct of this type of search. Where appropriate they should be re-evaluated as the search progresses. **a**. The exact location of the area to be searched is clearly identifiable by use of eight figure grid references, aerial photography or other accurate visual means. Boundaries of search areas must also be clearly understood and readily definable, if appropriate, a detailed on-site reconnaissance visit will always be advantageous. **b**. Knowledge of the identity of the owner or tenant of the land, with written consent to enter and search, or other legal authority to enter and search the land. **c**. Information gained from aerial photography, even if only library material, is valuable. An analysis of such photography may assist in identifying possible access points onto the land as well as potential areas for hide locations. Such photographs can also be useful in the documentation of the search and later as evidence in any proceedings. **d**. Air reconnaissance may be useful but care must be taken to avoid any advance notice to suspects. **e**. Details of any suspects, sympathisers or associates in the location. **f**. Search dogs \[explosive or general purpose\] can cover large areas far quicker than human searchers. Priorities for the deployment of available dogs must be decided with reference to Military Working Dogs section supervisors or at the very least with the handlers themselves. **g**. The division of the total area into smaller more manageable sub areas to be searched by individual search teams requires care. Inclusive and exclusive areas must be clearly defined and acknowledged by those tasked with the search. The boundaries should be marked by obvious features such as hedges and ditches. Each team area should be capable of being searched in one day taking into account natural light. **h**. The location of the main Incident Control Point \[ICP\] and individual team ICPs'. **Hide Locations**. An appreciation of the needs of the terrorist, and anybody else who may use open areas to hide contraband, helps in the identifying of likely hide locations -often referred to as the Winthrop theory after the individual who devised the system. These vary with the situation and the type of hide being sought but common points include: **a. Ease and speed of access** **1**. **Near a road or track** **2**. **Easily locatable**. This includes the general area which must be easily identifiable such as a small copse, hedgerow or building and the precise location of the hide, which may be marked in some way. This applies particularly to temporary hides. The markers may be a painted fence post but are usually a natural land-mark which is identifiable and locatable at night even by someone who is not familiar with the ground. Markers were originally referred to as 'Winthrop' points but are now more commonly known as ***'reference points'.*** Examples of reference points are: i\. A distinctive tree in a corner of a field. ii\. A lone tree in the centre of a hedgerow iii A gap in a hedge. iv A telegraph pole in a hedge. v\. Any distinct natural object or set of objects. **3. Easy access into the hide itself**. **b. Concealment and Camouflage**. **1**. The terrorist does not want to be seen when actually using the hide. It is therefore likely to be in dead ground, although the general area may be observed by a sympathiser. **2**.The surroundings of the hide must provide natural camouflage and concealment. **c. On the terrorists route to or from a target**. A terrorist's local knowledge may obviate the need for markers. Searchers should be suspicious of anything out of place e.g. worn patches of grass, broken twigs, footprints etc. Use should be made of aerial photography to identify a recent digging or where the normal pattern of plant growth has been disturbed. **Procedure.** The search of areas is normally conducted on the principle that the most likely locations are searched first. The procedure is as follows: **a. Team Incident Control Point \[ICP\] established**. It is recommended that the location for the ICP be selected from within the area to be searched. Once selected, the ICP is searched out to a radius of 20 metres, this is to ensure the ICP is not sited on a hide location. It is recommended therefore, the ICP be located away from any potential Winthrop sites. **b. Winthrop from ICP**. The whole team as individuals, including the dog handler if available, observe the search area from the ICP. The scribe will prepare a sketch of the search area, if suitable aerial photographs are not available for use. \[This sketch or photograph will assist in the documentation and prioritising of reference points and subsequently show the progress of the search and the location of any finds made.\] Once every member of the team has had a chance to view the search area from the ICP, the team leader can then take from each team member that individual's list of reference points. When each team member has given their own list, the team leader will be in a better position to prioritise the reference points. **d. Winthrop Point Search**.The team leader will detail pairs of searchers to search the reference points, **in order of priority,** out to a radius of 15 metres. While at these points secondary Winthrop points within this area should be identified and also searched. The search teams will be issued with personal protective clothing necessary to deal with known or likely hazards. Dogs can be deployed with each pair to search the Winthrop point prior to the physical search. This phase should be fully documented. **e. Boundary Search**. The boundary is searched paying particular attention to any prominent objects or features along it. All boundaries **must** be overlapped by a minimum of 1 metre. Boundaries are often fruitful areas as both the terrorist and the searcher find them easy to identify, and therefore it is 'best practice' to search them twice, with one pair of searchers moving clockwise and the other counter-clockwise. One pair of searchers works from inside the boundary and the other from outside however each pair will witness one searcher either side of the fence. **f. Open Area Search.** Finally the remaining featureless areas are searched using the whole team in extended line formation with a maximum of two metres between searchers. Alternate searchers have a metal detector or a shovel and the boundaries of each line are marked. The team commander must always ensure that the whole area is searched. Searchers **must** remember to look up as well as down. Even if a find is made the teams must continue the search as there may be further hides in the vicinity. **Action on a Find.** The action on a find depends on the type of find and the requirements of the Senior Investigating Officer. Procedures are listed in detail in Section 5.8. **End of Search Procedure.** When the search, including all the documentation, is complete the teams will then withdraw ensuring all access gates etc are properly secured as necessary. Copies of the record of any damage caused as a result of the search must be left with those responsible for the land. **16.** []{#GLOSSARY.anchor}**Glossary and Abbreviations** Abbreviation Index ==================