Searching people in a standing position is something deputies and officers do every day. As such, officer safety is a primary concern. View this photo gallery for a step-by-step approach to help you safely conduct a pat-down or Terry search for weapons. Read the full article, " Safe Searching: The Standing Basic Search ." Photos courtesy of Sgt. James Harbison.
Safe Pat-Down Searches
Once you're behind the person, have him widen his stance to limit his mobility. To lunge or attack from this stance requires leg movement toward the centerline.
By directing a subject to place his hands on his head, you can have minimal concern about distinguishing between compliance and arming. Once you complete your search of half of the subject's body, switch the gripping hands.
Don't allow waistband access. You're likely to find weapons in one of these high-risk "hot zones."
Because most aggressors will attack from the forward position, approach from behind the person. Use a balanced, bladed stance.
Next, control both hands. Asking a subject to place hands on a wall or car doesn't accomplish this; it only isolates the hands.
The technique presented is simply known as the Standing Basic Search, which commences after the subject has placed his hands behind his head and spread his legs. You'll want to first position the body, limit the mobility, and control the hands.
Once you complete your search, place your free hand on the upper back of the person and shuffle-step back before furhter directing the subject's movement.
Search the other half of a subject's body using the matching hand. Your stance does not change.