How to Search a Person

Law enforcement personnel are trained to conduct body searches . Criminal suspects often conceal contraband or weapons in their clothing. For personal safety, officers must be able to detect and remove such items quickly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Remove the person's outer clothing. Set aside hats, shoes, coats and accessories. If another person is available, have him call the police. If it's not possible to call the authorities, set the articles of clothing aside or check for weapons before returning them. If the person you're searching is in a violent state of mind, think carefully about the items that could be dangerous before giving them back. Someone could use pencils, pens, combs and keys as weapons.
2. Have the person stand facing a wall, with his palms placed upon it and legs spread shoulder-width apart. If the person tries to assault you, you're in a position to overpower him.
3. Pat down the person's body with your open palms. The palms of your hands are sensitive and can detect the difference between clothing, skin and hidden items. Begin at the head, feeling for items tucked into the hair.
4. Move down the body, frisking gently as you perform the body search. Check all areas, including underarms and the crotch. Criminals know that many people can be squeamish about conducting thorough searches. They will hide items in "personal" areas, thinking you won't go near them.

Tips & Warnings

• The person you're searching has civil rights. Unless there's a threat of immediate violence, pat down searches are best left to law enforcement officials, particularly if you're not both of the same sex. Call the police as soon as possible and take no chances with your safety.
• If you conduct a search of someone and it turns out that person was not a threat, you could be held legally liable.