Police Probationer Training Programme Unit 8 PDF

OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3...

OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Learning Aim: The learner will be able to conduct searches in the operational environment Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of the lesson, Introduction students will be able to: Search is a vital core function of Policing. This training is based on the National Search 1. Define search and the specific objectives of Learning Program. It will benefit you and the searching (pg. 1-4) Police service by increasing your knowledge of searching by learning and understanding 2. List the component parts of an Improvised essential theory and consolidating this with Explosive Device (IED) (pg. 4-6) hands-on practical training. This search training was originally developed 3. State your actions on an explosive find from a counter terrorist perspective. Officers under the guidelines laid out in the 5 C’s and will be introduced to elements of counter 5 W’s (pg. 6-9) terrorist search activity as part of this lesson; the skills and methods described however 4. Explain the considerations, categories and form best practice and are undoubtedly process to be adopted during searches of transferable to everyday Police duties. buildings, vehicles and open areas (pg. 10-15) While undertaking search duties, like many other areas of policing it is vital that you know 5. Undertake a systematic search of: (pg.16) your own limitations. When assessing or  A room dealing with any search always consider  A vehicle seeking advice or assistance from your control room, line manager, Licensed Search Officers (LSO) or PolSA (Police Search Advisor). 1 Amended 18th June 2021 v.3 OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Activity 1 A1 1. Why is search critical to you in your role as a police officer? 2. What areas of police work can it help you to tackle? 3. What might be the consequences of you conducting a poor search? 2 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Definition of Search Search is defined as: ‘the capability to locate specific targets using intelligence assessment, systematic procedures and appropriate detection techniques.’ Feedback 1 F1 1. You should have considered officer safety and the safety of the community, recovery of evidence and the drive against terrorism. 2. Effective searching will help you tackle all aspects of crime including those involving dishonesty, weapons, drugs and violence. It can also be vital during general police work including missing person enquiries. 3. A poor search on your part might result in injury or loss of life, failed prosecutions and the loss of faith in your ability on your own part or the part of your supervisor or a loss of faith in the Police service generally on the part of the general public. Professional Standards PS Throughout all aspects of search you must be alive to the following key overriding principles:-  The European Convention on Human Rights - in particular Article 8, the right to respect for private and family life. (Your actions should always be proportionate, legal, accountable, necessary and ethical [PLANE]), and;  The Contest Strategy, i.e. Prevent, Pursue, Protect and Prepare with the golden thread that communities defeat terrorism. 3 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Objectives of Search Searches are conducted to:  Protect potential targets Defensive searches (Defensive Searches can only be conducted by LSO or PolSA)  Gain evidence for prosecutions Offensive searches  Gain intelligence Offensive searches  Deprive criminals of their resources Offensive searches Component Parts of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS) It is not within a search officer’s capability to render explosive or incendiary devices safe. Nevertheless, a basic understanding of their construction and the means by which they are initiated helps the searcher both avoid danger and recognise the components and situations where they are being constructed. Health and Safety HS It might appear rather dramatic that a lesson dealing with searching aimed at police probationers should include an early reference to Improvised Explosive Devices. But give some consideration to the events of the afternoon of Saturday 30th June 2007. Where and what were you doing when you heard about the terrorist attack on Glasgow Airport? 4 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches IEDs may be divided into five main parts using the mnemonic MISPP:-  Main Charge/Filling  Initiation  Switch, to start the chain reaction  Power Source  Packaging Main Charge/Filling This may be improvised or homemade using commercially available constituents such as fertilisers, gunpowder, weed killers, peroxides, acids, sugar, acetone etc. It may also be a commercial variety of explosive, e.g. Dynamite or Semtex, or of a military variety. Initiation The detonator or “igniter” is the element in the initiation chain where the “signal” is converted into a detonation wave or fire. Detonators are broadly of two types, i.e. electrical detonators or non-electrical detonators initiated by heat, e.g. safety fuses. Igniters are easier to improvise than detonators, e.g. flash bulbs, ‘joss’ sticks, etc. Note:- Detonators are explosive items themselves and require an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator (EOD) to dispose of. Switch The switch is the first element in the initiation chain which recognises and is activated by a physical change which has been chosen to initiate the device. The switch opens/closes the electrical circuit. It completes the electrical circuit to the initiator. It also ‘arms’ the device. 5 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Power Source In an electrically initiated system, the most common type of power source is a battery. Other examples are springs or falling weights to enhance a mechanical signal. The requirement for and type of power source depends on the switch and detonator/initiator being used. Packaging The packaging may be almost any container from an envelope or DVD case to beer kegs, milk churns, traffic cones, hand luggage, portable radios, cars or even trucks. Actions in Relation to Explosive Find 5C’s - Locus Protection The main principles that govern the actions of an officer finding what is believed to be an explosive device are Safety and the Preservation of Evidence. It is worth reiterating that if in any doubt alert your control room and seek advice from specialist staff. You cannot render any items or devices as “safe” and this would ultimately be the responsibility of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator (EOD) - the “bomb disposal” expert. When locating an explosive device the procedural actions to be carried out are known as the 5 C’s:-  Confirm  Clear  Cordon  Control  Check 6 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Confirm  Memorise: colour, smell, size, shape, noise.  Move away.  Note the time on glove.  Think MISPP. Clear  ALERT - everyone verbally no radios.  Using correct CODEWORD.  Minimum transmission distance for hand held radio and Mobile phone 15 metres.  Behind hard cover out of line of sight.  Minimum transmission distance for vehicle radio 50m.  Inform PolSA/Control to request EOD.  CLEAR OBSTRUCTIONS - that have been searched & if safe to do so.  MARK SAFE ROUTE - out to 20m from device.  CLEAR BACK - to minimum cordon distance.  WEDGE DOORS - open if safe to do so.  DO NOT - touch light switches. Cordon  To appropriate distance: 100m, 200m, 400m (see table)  Behind hard cover.  Out of the line of sight and away from glass or parked vehicles.  Near main road but avoid a predictable location.  Search out to a radius of 20m for secondary devices and secondary hazards.  Location fit for purpose – easily locatable and space for marshalling vehicles. 7 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Clearance Distances Up to, and including, briefcase size 100m minimum Up to small vehicle size 200m minimum Up to large vehicle size 400m minimum Control  Restrict access to EOD only  Finder(s) to be separated from the team to prepare the brief for the EOD Operator on his/her arrival.  Record find in search documentation. Check  Clearance distances.  Cordon positions searched.  Actions are still appropriate.  Review and revise actions.  EOD on route and approach route.  Note:- Officers who find the suspect device should separate and make notes/ sketch the item. Separation ensures the integrity of the information, not inadvertently corrupted by discussion, and the information which is passed to the EOD is as accurate as possible. 8 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches The 5 W’s - Briefing the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator (EOD) When the EOD arrives, the following briefing known as the 5 W’s will be required from the finder(s):-  WHAT - What has been found? A detailed description will be required including shape, size, colour, smell, wires, what have you done, etc.  WHERE – Think how you would direct the EOD IN to the device rather than the route out. Maps and sketches will help e.g. google maps on mobile device.  WHEN - At what time was the find located?  WHY – If this was found during a search rather than by answering a call or on patrol, why were you searching? Give the item context.  WHO - Who found it and who else has seen it? Ideally witnesses should remain separate to give their version of what they have seen. The EOD is the only person responsible and authorised to declare an explosive find or a potential find as “safe”. All other evidence and productions should be seized in line with force procedures. 9 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Key Information KI Police Search Advisers (PolSA) trained in searching are available to give practical guidance and advice to non-specialist officers who are required to undertake searches and may be deployed if circumstances suggest that this is necessary or desirable. Where searching areas that present an increased risk, confined spaces, fragile floors or at height, guidance should be obtained from PolSA prior to commencing or when the hazard is identified. When searching anything (people, rooms etc.) always start at the top and work to the bottom. That way if anything falls unnoticed you will still have a chance to find it as you search the bottom area. Building Search This section sets out the general considerations for undertaking a building/premises search identifying the planning, entry, systematic search and exit procedures. The search of buildings is a frequent operational deployment for police officers. Regardless of the background to and nature of the search, it must be completed in a thorough and systematic way. Such searches can be applied to counter terrorism situations, missing person enquiries and drug and property searches. The priorities in any search are safety, systematic search and evidence recovery. Exercise your powers courteously. Use reasonable force when it is considered necessary and proportionate and always operate within the limitations of the appropriate legislation. There are four distinct phases:- 1. Planning 2. Entry 3. Systematic Search 4. Exit. 10 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches 1. Planning Phase This is normally the domain of the supervisor in charge or the POLSA. There will be an operational order created and a briefing conducted prior to the search getting underway. Consider the issues you would want to have covered in such a briefing. Ensure you are furnished with all relevant information before commencing the operation. If in doubt, ASK. 2. Entry Phase In pre-planned operations the method of entry will be subject to a full tactical assessment provided by a Public Order Tactical Adviser (POTac). Specialist resources are likely to be used i.e. Method of Entry (MOE) trained officers. 3. Systematic Search Phase Always work in pairs, communicating and motivating each other. Think “void” and overlap every search area. Always search top to bottom, if anything falls unnoticed there is opportunity to come across the fallen item when you reach the bottom. Documentation is vital to the integrity of the search operation. Use your notebook and follow force procedure in relation to seizure of productions and completion of search records. To ensure the whole building is searched systematically there are 9 key steps:- 1. Stand, look and listen 2. Identify any obvious items 3. Visually search the room 4. Search fixtures and fittings in situ 5. Rotate large items of furniture. This will facilitate point 6 6. Search floors, walls, ceilings and fittings 7. Measure walls for anomalies 8. Return the room to its original state 9. Search grounds and outbuildings 11 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches 4. Exit Phase On completion of the search all officers must participate in a full debrief ensuring that all evidence has been properly dealt with. Ensure all Police Equipment, particularly used gloves, is removed from the premises. This will help to minimise the risk from contamination e.g. DNA. Appendix A lists a number of practical considerations. This is provided purely as a reference point and will not be examined at the Scottish Police College. Health and Safety Within Buildings Remember that Health and Safety is of paramount importance. In any search of premises there is a general risk of injury from:-  Unknown hazards  Gas, electricity, chemicals etc.  Slipping, tripping or falling  Assault or attack by persons or animals within You should consider these points prior to and during the search:-  Ask the owner/occupier to identify potential hazards (e.g. needles)  If necessary, seek assistance from public utilities or the Fire Service  When searching in restricted spaces, you should wear protective headgear  You should pay attention to areas where the floor is likely to be fragile, e.g. roof spaces, fire damaged buildings  If you are searching at height, you should use a ladder and safety harness if necessary  You should be in possession of your Personal Protection Equipment at all times  Best practice is to wear double nitrile gloves and wash your hands at the end of the search. 12 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Vehicle Search This section introduces officers to the areas involved in a vehicle search, the concept of team responsibilities and the systematic procedures for conducting a vehicle search. The two phases of a vehicle search are:- Phase 1 Initial checks and Phase 2 Main search Phase One - Initial Checks The driver and passengers should be removed from the vehicle. They and any property they have with them should be searched. Attribute property to individuals where possible. Checks should be carried out to confirm the vehicle’s identity and the relationship of the driver/passengers to it, e.g., PNC/CHS enquiries, vehicle documentation, etc. Carry out a 360 degree observation of the vehicle. Look into the vehicle to establish if anything worthy of immediate attention is present and note any obvious damage. Be aware of the body language of the driver/passengers. Look for anything suspicious or out of place that may inform your search. Phase Two - Main Search The vehicle should be divided into five areas to enable a thorough and systematic search:- 1. Outside 2. Underneath 3. Inside 4. Boot 5. Engine 13 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Ideally two search pairs should carry out the search. One pair will search the clean areas (interior and boot) whilst the other pair should search the dirty areas (exterior, underside and engine/engine compartment). 1. Outside The dirty pair should start at a common point at the front of the vehicle and search the top and sides towards the rear, one searcher on either side of the vehicle. They should maintain a link by talking to each other. 2. Underneath The dirty pair should start shoulder to shoulder at the front or rear. One searches the offside whilst the other searches the nearside. Ensure appropriate PPE is worn, for example, paper suits and eye protection etc. 3. Inside Before getting into the vehicle the clean pair will begin by searching the doors. They will then search the seats. They will then search the interior front to back and top to bottom in a thorough and systematic manner, talking to one another as they go. 14 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches 4. Boot The clean pair should search the boot lid first. Search all contents including the spare wheel in-situ before removing them from the boot. Search the boot compartment itself from the inside of the boot lid to the rear of the rear seats, then the rear of the compartment back towards the number plate and light clusters. 5. Engine The engine bay and engine should be searched by the dirty pair. A search pair with mechanical knowledge will certainly prove useful. Seek specialist advice if necessary. Search the bonnet lid first not forgetting to search under the sound proofing where fitted. “Quarter” the engine itself with one person searching and the other observing. Appendix B is attached for reference purposes only and lists a number of practical considerations for vehicle searching. Open Area Search Open areas are often used as sites for ‘hides’ as they tend to be less frequented by the general public. They may also have an advantage in 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 an industrial site. Open Area Searching will normally be conducted under the direction of a trained and qualified Police Search Advisor (POLSA) who will have given thought to the conditions and possible hazards that officers involved in the search may be exposed to. In these circumstances officers will be provided with a full and comprehensive briefing prior to deploying on the search and will be issued with any relevant protective or safety equipment required. In certain situations only properly trained and equipped officers will be deployed on open area searches i.e. Mountain Rescue Teams or Underwater Units. 15 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Activity 2 A2 You will now complete a practical activity with your class allowing you to practice what you have learned in this lesson. You will search the following:  A Room  A Vehicle Feedback 2 F2 Feedback on this activity will be provided to you by your instructor 16 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Appendix A General considerations for building search. Planning In general, briefings will be conducted in the IIMARCH format. Consider the information you would want from a briefing. Information  Exact address.  Description and nature of the building.  Occupant details and intelligence, warning markers, etc.  Secondary hazards such as animals.  Legal authority for the search. Intention The precise intention, clearly expressed, focussing all resources towards one common aim. Method  Command.  External cordons  Method of entry.  Entry teams.  Securing of occupants - prevention of disposal of evidence.  Additional agencies present.  Method of search.  Evidence handling and prisoner management. 17 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Administration  Briefing locations and times.  Transport.  Uniform/equipment requirements.  Refreshments.  Health and safety issues.  General administration, e.g., documentation. Risk assessment  A full risk assessment should be undertaken prior to the operation outlining the community, generic and specific risks and the control measures imposed to reduce risk. Details of personal protective equipment requirements should be listed. Communications  Broadcast channels and mobile telephone contact details,  Spare batteries. Human Rights  A statement of Human Rights compliance with any relevant issues detailed is required.  This is far from an exhaustive list and the structure of operational orders may vary across different police forces. You, as a search officer, have a key role to play, so, if in doubt over your role, ask. 18 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Entry Take strict control of all occupants. Record their initial locations in the search log. Where legal powers exist, subject each to an initial person search. This is to detect anything which could be used to harm the searcher and to immediately secure any evidential material. On completion, consider moving all of the occupants to one room for ease of control, perhaps the sitting room, to allow for some comfort during the search. Remember that this room must also be searched so occupants will need to be transferred at an appropriate point. Once controlled, and subject to applicable legal powers, detailed person searches can be conducted. Initial actions, PRIOR to the systematic search commencing:-  Team leader/scribe  Inspect the whole premises for existing damage.  Note details in full in the search log and consider photographs/video records.  Request the occupant to sign the search record in acknowledgement of this damage.  Ensure these damage checks are completed before and after the search phase. Scribe  Prepare a sketch plan of the premises, allocating each sector a unique identifying mark.  Maps of the area obtained before the operation will need to be thoroughly checked for any accuracy before the search commences.  Record gas, electricity and water meter readings. Check that electrical meters have not been bypassed. If so, this should be made safe by the electricity provider before continuing. 19 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Search (Likely Hide Locations) Kitchen  Fitted units, kick boards, base of drawers and cupboard units.  Appliances (Switch off at the mains before moving).  Food containers, boxes, tins.  Walls, including ventilation bricks, window ledges, doors and frames.  Blinds, curtains. Bathroom  Cisterns and tanks.  Bath panels and surrounds, splash trips, underneath bath.  Rear of sink pedestal and towel rails.  Cabinets.  Recently tiled areas (Report BEFORE attempting access). Stairways  Consider as one search area from bottom to top.  Is effectively a boxed, hollow structure with large voids underneath  Steps and risers.  Skirting boards, carpet and coverings. Roof Space  Insulation felt/materials.  Rafters and roof joints.  Water tanks and pipe work.  Between eaves and slates/roof tiles. 20 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Note:- This area may be deemed a confined space and you should be aware of falling between joists. General  Door frames and doors, may be hollow.  Furniture and any internal hollows/fittings.  Walls, windows, window frames, air vents.  Fireplaces and chimneys.  Floor coverings, carpets, loose boards.  Lights and light fittings. Exit  The whole of the search task has been completed.  All documentation has been completed.  All productions have been recovered and managed in accordance with all legal and procedural constraints.  A final damage check is completed with the occupier.  All damage is logged/photographed and the occupier is asked to endorse the search documentation in acknowledgement.  All meter readings should be retaken and noted in the search documentation.  All search equipment; tools, disposable gloves and uniform are fully accounted for and removed from the premises.  Once all team members, search equipment and all ancillary items have been removed from the building, the team leader and scribe have a final walk through to ensure nothing has been left behind. All legally required documentation must be served on the occupier or left in a prominent place on the premises. Where the occupier or their representative is present they should be given an opportunity to sign the search record to agree the readings and details noted. 21 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Appendix B Vehicle search general considerations Outside  Check headlights, sidelights and rear lights.  Check behind the bumpers and over-riders.  Check wheel trims and hubs  Check tyre pressures and bleed some air from the tyres.  Examine under wheel arches, above plastic wheel arch liners and bolt on mudguards.  Check for signs of welding, new under seal or tampering with bolts on mudguards.  Do the shapes of the outer and inner wings match?  Take an angled look at the bodywork and roof for signs of adaptation.  Front and rear under-panels and spoilers.  Examine roof bars or drains.  Look for different shades of paint. Underneath  Drain holes and seals.  Welding - new under seal.  Exhaust system - new or false section.  Sump. (Located on bottom of engine)  Fuel tank. Inside  Roof lining: access can be gained by removing door sealing strips or if a sunshine roof is fitted, by removing the trim.  Sun visors.  Front, rear and centre window/door pillars.  Doors, trim panels and seats - wind the window down first. Can you search without removing the trim? 22 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches  Vehicles with side impact protection airbags contain small amounts of explosive to deploy and may require expert advice to search.  Avoid damage to spring clips etc.  Front seats - do not sit on them before searching the seat.  Look for easy stowage under the seats.  Check inside padding and under the seat.  Seats are often bolted to hollow cross-member.  Back seats - do not sit on them before searching the seat.  Seat cushions - some spring in, some bolted in.  Seat back - do not lean/rest on it before searching it.  Rear side panels (2 door vehicles etc).  Dashboard area: Be careful of wiring and air bags which contain a small amount of explosive.  Behind dashboard panels.  Ventilation and heater hoses.  Radio, speakers, etc.  Glove box - behind and above.  Ash tray - check contents.  Centre tunnel console.  Front/rear foot wells: Remove panels - access to wing space, door seals.  Check drain holes.  Remove any rear panel and check through to the boot. Boot  Spare wheel - bleed some air.  Any new welding, mastic or tape.  Any carpet stuck down.  Space in wings.  Tailgate.  Fuel tank - spare or false - Does tank match vehicle age? Consider taking advice from a mechanic. 23 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Engine  Windscreen washer and reservoir.  Heating and ventilation hoses and vents.  Air filter.  Bonnet double skin and sound proofing.  Under battery tray.  Sump tray. (Also known as engine tray) 24 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches For further information, use the resources shown below:- Legal Database: Police Powers and Duties – Police Powers - Entry Without Warrant and Search Without Warrant Review: You can define search and the specific objectives of searching You can list the component parts of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) You can state your actions on an explosive find under the guidelines laid out in the 5 C’s and 5 W’s You can explain the considerations, categories and process to be adopted during searches of buildings, vehicles and open areas You can undertake a systematic search of: A room A vehicle 25 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 8 Lesson 3 Conducting Systematic Searches Learning Log: How will what you have learned in this module impact your day-to- day role? Are there any skills or knowledge you would like to develop further following this module? End of Module 26 Conduct Systematic Searches OFFICIAL