SEARCH PROCEDURES

AIM:

To discuss and demonstrate search procedures within close protection operation

Intended learning outcomes: By the end of the lesson the trainees will be able to:

Explain the procedures for and implications of searching buildings, vehicles, open

venues, people

Demonstrate basic search techniques

Explain the law in relation to search and control of access

State the importance of post search security

Describe the use of technology available to assist search

Describe how to deal with unauthorised / dangerous objects.

National Occupational Standards:

PCP 4 Establish and maintain secure environments

PCP 7 Maintain the safety and security of Principals whilst in transit.

SEARCH PROCEDURES

WHAT IS A BOMB?

A Bomb is made up of an explosive substance that,

when detonated, expands very rapidly into a large

volume of gas, contained in a casing; the rising

pressures will rupture the casing, imparting high velocity

to the resulting fragments

The resulting energy produces a blast shock wave and

the displaced air creates a blast wind. The shock wave

is created by the compression of the surrounding air.

The rapid rise in pressure can be in the order of

hundreds of thousands of pounds per square inch and

the blast wave moves away from the source as a

sphere of rapidly expanding compressed gas

The shock-wave velocity in the air is over 3,000 metres

per second, although it will soon fall to the speed of

sound. These figures will depend on the nature and

composition of the charge.

Blast pressure waves are similar to sound waves and will flow over and around

any obstruction like a wall. The pressure level at 90 degrees to the direction of

travel of the shock front is called ‘Incident Pressure' or ‘Positive Pressure’. There

is a suction or ‘Negative Pressure’ which follows the blast wave, it is ten times

longer, but this Negative pressure is has lot less force than the positive pressure.

Due to the greater density of the material, a blast wave will travel much faster

through a liquid or solid

BLAST WIND

Rapidly expanding gasses displace an equal volume of air that travels

immediately behind the shock front at very high speed. This creates a dynamic

pressure. In the immediate vicinity of the explosion there will be total

disintegration of the body. Further away from the explosion, the mass movement

of air will actually blow limbs off (traumatic amputation). At some distance away it

may blow a person over, causing a variety of injuries. Blast injuries in water are

more severe at a great distance.

BLAST INJURIES

A condition known as 'Spalling' results from the shearing forces created on a body.

Different densities react differently to pressure waves, which cause a pressure

pulse, compressing and heating small air bubbles as it passes which expand and

implode with an explosive force. As the blast wave passes over the body it creates

specific damage at the surface of the tissue. An eardrum will rupture at 7lbs per

square inch. The lungs will suffer severe damage at 50lbs per square inch

If the blast pressure is high enough, similar damage will be occasioned to the

abdomen, causing severe disruption. The lungs can also be crushed between the

diaphragm, which rises violently under the ram effect of the pressure-driven

abdomen

The blast wind contains high velocity fragments of metal and, or flammable

material from the construction of the bomb. Doors or windows above ground floor

are also liable to shatter. At high velocity the resulting pieces can shatter into long,

sharp edged slivers that will cause severe injuries or death. A petrol bomb used by

the Provisional IRA, successfully destroyed buildings and sent a fireball some 15

to 20 Meters out. The cause of this was one pound of explosive attached to a

gallon can of petrol and placed against an outside wall. Remember that the blast

travels up, just as much as it does outwards.

IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES (IED's)

IED’s are bombs constructed by terrorists, extremists, criminals or people with

severe personality disorders in order to kill a person or persons and/or to destroy

property. They are used by extortionists and are the most popular method of

attack by any terrorist or fanatical group. IED’s are popular because:

1. No need for close contact

2. They are indiscriminate

3. High success rate

4. Gain Publicity

5. Simple to construct

6. Parts readily available.

EXPLOSIVES

Explosives come in many forms and with the relaxed security measures at

quarries and in mining operations many commercially produced dynamites used

for blasting in quarries and for underwater demolition are readily available. This

provides the terrorist with a regular supply of commercial explosives such as

Gelamix, Quarex and Frangex

Commercial explosives are much 'slower burning' than military types and produce

a far lower energy output. When placed and packed carefully this type can be as

devastating, in the hands of terrorists, as military explosives. Homemade

explosives such as ANFO and ANAL and CO-OP mix are all easily constructed.

When delivered in large quantities of hundreds of kilograms they can be just as

effective as a moderate amount of military explosive. Correctly placed at the right

time they can be just as devastating. Modern plastic explosives are now very

stable and most make no use of the classically unstable element, 'Nitro-Glycerine'

These explosives are mainly the sole use of the military. Although many, former

Eastern bloc countries have provided support to terrorist organisations by giving

easy access Semtex. C4 and PE4.

The classic military demolition explosive is still TNT. To prevent the ingress of

moisture, TNT is usually covered with foil and the essential detonator is

sometimes packed inside. Terrorists favour the use of 'plastic' explosive, or PE,

PX. They are totally safe to handle and malleable until a detonator is added. It can

be sawn, moulded and abused without any problem, plus it is odourless and non-

toxic. Explosives are easy to obtain by Terrorists and there are many varieties of

initiation devices available, particularly chemical or simple percussion delay

devices

Don’t forget that home or commercially made; high explosives detonate at speeds

of miles per second. The bomb is not a 'selective' weapon; it is indiscriminate and

the bomb is not a 'selective' weapon; it is indiscriminate and will kill or maim over

a wide area. IED’s will have some or all of the following basic components:

1. Explosives or Incendiary Mix

2. A Detonator or Igniters

3. A Container

4. Time and Power Unit Optional

5. Arming Switch (A safety device)

6. Anti handling device.

LOW AND HIGH EXPLOSIVE

Explosives are classed as Low or High depending on their speed of detonation.

IED’s can contain commercial explosives or homemade explosives (HME), or a

combination. Explosives come in many forms including:

1. Solids

2. Liquids

3. Powders

4. Plastic or Slurries

Most commercial explosive substances are reasonably stable and require some

form of initiation to detonate (detonator). Some explosives, especially some HME

compounds are extremely unstable and may not require a detonator

There are several ways of classing chemical explosives. The main difference

between Low Explosives (LE) and High Explosives (HE):

1. Must be contained

2. When damp, won't work

3. Sensitive to friction/spark

4. Will not shatter steel.

Low Explosives (LE)

Are usually more effective as propellants. LE explodes simply by burning very

rapidly, and is used to push and shove. Possible ingredients for Low Explosive

mix are Black powders, smokeless powder, home-made items such as Harpic,

fertiliser, petrol or diesel oil, soap flakes, sugar, paint thinner, battery acid. These

substances are all capable of being mixed proportionally to make up IED’s

HIGH Explosive (HE)

1. Malleable and needs no containment

2. Okay when damp/wet

3. Not affected by spark

4. Shatters steel

High Explosive has a shattering effect rather than the heaving effect of Low

Explosive. Explosive material will either be:

1. High Explosive (HE) or Low Explosive (LE).

2. High explosive, often mixed with T.N.T Sensitive

3. MERCURIC FULMINATE Ignited by a flame, friction, sensitive spark or shock

sensitive substitute for Mercuric Fulminate. Insensitive must be mixed with

other Insensitive.

Highly Sensitive

1. Sensitive explosives often mixed with T.N.T

2. Still in use, very specialised. Produced in the Irish Republic & used by the IRA

3. Suitable explosive mixed with waxes, oils or other plasticisers so that it is

malleable

4. Leaves liquorice like particles about

5. Difficult to detect

6. Popular because of its power, terrorists only need a small amount

TYPE OF EXPLOSIVE

1. R.D.X (Cyclonite, Hexogen)

2. Lead Azide

3. Picric Acid (Lyddite, Melinite, Trinitrotoluene)

4. Amatol

5. T.N.T. (Trinitrotoluene)

6. Ammonium Picrate

7. Nitrocellulose

8. Nitro-Glycerine

9. P.E.T.N. (Shoe Bomber!!)

10.Black Powder (Gunpowder)

11.Frangex

12.P.E. (Plastic Explosive)

13.SEMTEX (very powerful).

GROUP

1. Nitrate mix

2. Glycerine

3. Ammonium

4. Nitrate mix.

NAME1.Gunpowder

2. Nitro-Glycerine

3. Gelignite

4. Gun Cotton

5. DynamiteNo1

5-6000m/s

7. Nitro-cellulose 7000m/s

8. Coal Tar (TETRYL)

9. TNT

10. PETN

11. RDX

12. SEMTEX

13. Amatol

14. Ammonal

15. Many HME’s are made using the fertilizer ingredient Ammonium Nitrate:

16. ANFO - Ammonium Nitrate & Fuel Oil

17. ANNIE - Ammonium Nitrate & Nitro Benzene

18. ANS - Ammonium Nitrate & Sucrose

19. Other HME’s contain components such as Bleach, Chlorine or Acids

(i.e. as contained in toilet cleaner). Be aware of smell!.

DETONATORS & IGNITERS

Commercial Detonators contain a small amount of high explosive, which will start

the detonation of the main charge

There are Electric or Non-Electric detonators. Electric Detonators can be initiated

with as little as 0.6 amps. Non-Electric detonators are initiated either by heat

(Safety fuse) or impact (Striker). There are many varieties of detonators some are

delay based. Improvised detonators can also use friction as a means of initiation.

Some detonators are slow fuses, or work through a chemical reaction, such as the

action of acid on a soft metal spring

This eventually activates a plunger onto a detonator or similar. Many HIGH

explosives are difficult to ignite. This of course is a useful safety feature and an

IED may require two or more explosives: Detonator- Small explosive charge is

wired to a power source. It uses an impact sensitive explosive for the primer that

makes a flash. Main Charge- Sets off a detonating compound, with a shock wave

to ignite the insensitive but powerful main charge.

DETONATORS

A detonator is needed to provide the initial 'kick' that is required to set off a high

explosive charge. They contain a small amount of explosives within a metal tube

The majority of modern explosives that are in good condition will not explode

without a detonator; this can be homemade, or commercially obtained. Some are

simple and easy to make.

IGNITERS

Incendiary mixes are homemade and usually prepared from simple obtainable

household items such as weed-killer and sugar. The amount and proportions of

the mix dictate the degree of burn and the extent of the explosion that is to be

achieved

They are as simple as getting a bulb that works, breaking the glass so that the

element is exposed and placing it within an incendiary mix. When a current

passes through it, the filament glows hot and ignites the incendiary mixture

CONTAINERS

An IED can be concealed in virtually any container. The container can be the

means of concealment or designed to enhance the effect of the explosive charge

and in the case of booby traps can also be the means of setting off the IED. IED’s

have been contained in the following objects;

1. Vehicles; Cars, Vans, Lorries, etc

2. Bicycles Bags, suitcases, briefcases, sports bags, day sacks etc

3. Letters, parcels. etc

4. Canisters - petrol cans, oil drums, milk churns, etc.

5. Everyday items - torches, telephones, books, furniture, etc.

TIME & POWER UNIT

A terrorist could be miles away from the event and can time a device to go off at

exactly the moment he chooses. A good example of this is the Brighton bomb;

which illustrates the ability to control the explosion to within a few seconds,

months later as one of the deadliest attributes of a bomb. In this case the

terrorists had to guess which room Margaret Thatcher would be staying in

Not all bombs have a timer element; however they will all have a power unit of

some description. The terrorist will use electricity to initiate the explosive device

and 99% of the time batteries provide the small amount of electricity needed

POWER UNIT

The power to initiate a device in the majority of cases will be by a battery. A car

battery attached to the end of a command wire or a small 1.5-volt watch battery

for an incendiary device. The batteries inside a wristwatch or a calculator are

powerful and are easily concealable

If the device is 'command' detonated, the size of battery is of less importance. A

car battery will be perfectly adequate. Other power sources may be mechanical,

chemical or light. It is much easier for the terrorist to make letter bombs, for

instance with today’s technology.

An Example of an IED:

With Incendiary Mix, Timer and Power Unit These devices are small enough to fit

in cassette cases or cigarette packets and timed to go off when fire is least likely

to be detected

Usually placed near combustible materials or in buildings; used as 'fire-bombs' to

destroy property rather than people. Although serious injury can result at close

range or in a vehicle the result could be the destruction of whole buildings, with

damage running into millions of pounds

An IED may need to be transported to a “set up” place. For safe handling the

devices would need to have an arming switch of some description this will be

some form of mechanism to allow the bomb maker to arm the bomb safely, can be

some form of time delay, safety pin or insulating strip.

An Example of an IED:

ARMING SWITCH

An IED may need to be transported to a “set up” place. For safe handling the

devices would need to have an arming switch of some description this will be

some form of mechanism to allow the bomb maker to arm the bomb safely, can be

some form of time delay, safety pin or insulating strip

Arming devices can be as simple as a break in the circuit or using a toggle or

push button switch. It may be complex relays of barometric switches (barometric

switches may also be an initiator) that can arm the bomb at a pre set height above

sea level or a height that the air pressure changes

An Arming Switch would be essential with any IED that is designed to be initiated

by 'tilt' or trembler. Whilst under construction a letter bomb needs to be safe until it

is finished and sealed, then the Arming device can be removed

This is why you are told to look for 'tell-tale' holes in a suspect letter or package.

ANTI-HANDLING DEVICE

A device to stop an IED from being tampered with or disarmed; it can be a false

complex set of relays and switches, a collapsed circuit, a tilt or trembler switch.

CLASSES OF IED

There are four basic classes of IED’s relating to their means of initiation:

1. TIME DELAY

2. REMOTE CONTROL

3. VICTIM OPERATED

4. ENVIRONMENT SENSITIVE

JACK

TIME DELAY

This will involve some form of clock or counter mechanism linked to the detonator.

When the clock reaches the designated time or the counter mechanism runs

down, the detonator is set off, initiating the explosive charge

Timer delays of up to a month have been used (e.g. IED planted in the Grand

Hotel, Brighton targeting the Conservative Party conference).

Time Delay examples:

1. Mechanical: alarm clocks, watches, cigarettes, barometric etc

2. Electronic: video timers etc

3. Chemical: acid that eats through to initiate a device

4. Command Operated

5. Command wire

6. Remote detonated

7. Victim Operated

8. Tension on, to arm and tension off, to explode

9. Opening a car door, moving away

10. Pressure on to arm and Pressure release to explode

11. Sitting on a seat

12. Photoelectric: opening a package and letting light in

13. Electrical: starting the engine, switching on a light etc

14. Environment Sensitive

15. Thermal

16. Barometric.

REMOTE OR COMMAND DETONATED

Remote or controlled devices are usually set off by someone else, not the victim.

The link with the bomb may be made by a variety of basic types:

1. Command Wire (CWIED)

2. Radio Control (RCIED)

The CW-IED uses a cable to link the explosive charge with a firing point where a

person setting of the device will "press the button" to detonate the bomb at the

moment required

This type of CWIED was used in the assassination of Alfred Herrhausen

The RC-IED uses some form of radio transmission to initiate the device so the

Trigger Man is not linked physically with the device. Some examples being:

Control Boxes from remote control model aircraft, Radio pagers, Mobile phones

This type of device was used to assassinate Lord

Mountbatten.

VICTIM OPERATED (Booby-trap)

As their name implies this type of IED requires the victim to do something, which

sets off the device. There are several basic types:

1. Pull

2. Pressure

3. Release of tension

4. Release of pressure

5. Motion

6. Barometric

7. Photo Electric

8. Thermal

9. Tilt Switch

10.Micro Switch.

An IED can be made and set so that it will not go off until the anti-handling

device is activated or when the victim tries to tamper with it. This will initiate the

explosion. The following methods can be used to trigger a variety of charges:

Pull - A peg with an insulated wedge in it and attached to the drive shaft of a vehicle,

so that when the vehicle moves off the wedge pulls out and completes the circuit. This

could also be set up as a trip wire

Pressure - A simple 'pressure on/pressure release' device, using such household

items as a clothes peg can be used. A clothes peg is put under the wheel of a car,

when the vehicle starts to move off, pressure is applied to close the circuit

Release of tension - On release of the pressure on a device, e.g. mousetrap, a

circuit is formed and the detonator ignited. Another Pressure Device is simply

constructed from tin foil and soft foam layers (which could be placed within a car

seat or in a room under a mat), or a pressure mat from a high street store. It is

included in most burglar alarm systems

Motion- Motion sensors are similar to trembler switches, activated by movement in the

vicinity e.g. passive infra-red (PIR) Barometric - This type of device is more technically

complex and reacts independently to a change in its environment, i.e. a change in air

pressure (Barometric). This type of device was used to bring down the Pan Am flight

over Lockerbie.

Photo Electric - Light sensitive switches can be used by a terrorist. They can be

simply made with the use of old solar powered calculators, but are often

dangerous and complicated to arm

Thermal - Heat sensitive devices detect change in temperature and can be

attached to the exhaust manifold of a victim's vehicle. This is simply done by using

an old thermometer with the top broken off. One wire is further down the tube than

the other, so that when the temperature raises the mercury, it completes the

current

Tilt Switch - The mercury tilt switch is simplicity itself, bought for a few pence at

electrical stores or home made. When the mercury in a small glass vial is tilted it

will complete a circuit and initiate the charge

Micro Switch - Micro switches are tiny switches that can be found in “noisy

birthday cards” or could be bought for a few pence down the high street

These can be constructed into anything the victim may open through the post,

such as a gift, book or box.

PARCEL AND LETTER BOMBS

This is an area where keen observation and security must be maintained. A set

procedure for handling packets and letters must be formulated and adhered to by

all postal staff. If some of the following criteria are evident in a package or letter it

should be put through an X-ray machine to confirm or allay your suspicions. It is

also a good idea to have a letter bomb pouch ready to contain any suspicious mail

until the proper authorities can deal with it.

Letter and Parcel Bomb Recognition Points:

1. Are you expecting it?

2. Delivered by hand

3. Foreign mail, airmail and Special Delivery

4. Lop-sided or uneven envelops

5. Excessive weight

6. From someone you don’t know

7. Visual distractions on the envelope (i.e. Company stamp, official stamps etc)

8. Protruding wires or tinfoil

9. Excessive postage

10.Poorly typed address

11.Childish handwriting (could be disguised)

12.No return address.

13.Oily stains or discolorations, fingerprints

14. Incorrect titles

15. Titles but no names

16.Misspelling of common words

17.Restrictive markings such as Confidential, Personal,

18.Suspicious postmark (e.g. Belfast)

19.Stencilled address

20.Any small holes or pinpricks. (to let explosive fumes out,

21.Smell or odour of bitter almonds or marzipan, or even a perfumed "masking" smell

22.Any mechanical ticking (although often digital watches are used)

23.Excessive securing material such as Sellotape, string etc. Your Eyes Only etc.

PRINCIPLES IN ATTACK PREVENTION

1. SECURE

2. GUARD

3. SEARCH

SECURE:

1. Single Entry Point

2. Construction Doors/Method Lock

3. Security Additional Entry Points

4. Roof

5. Illumination

6. Key Security

GUARD:

1. Keep Presence At Vehicle

2. Restrict Non-Authorised Access

3. Irregular Patrols4. Intruder Alarms5. Guard Secure Area

“IF IN DOUBT - CHECK IT OUT!”.

SEARCH:1. Prior to Securing and Guarding

2. When Either Above Not Executed

3. When Vehicle Left Unattended

4. When Unauthorised Access Suspected

5. Every Day before Use by VIP

6. Whenever Team Think Necessary

COMMON FORMS OF ATTACK

1. EXTERNAL:

a) UVBT (Under Vehicle Booby Trap)

b) Hook And Line

c) Trip Wire

d) Booby Trap Grenade

2. INTERNAL:

a) IED (Improvised Explosive Device)

b) Pull Switch In Vehicle

c) Hypodermic Syringe

d) Tampering.

THE FIVE C’s

CONFIRM

Trust the person that has reported it. Believe them. Remember, the first look was

free; the second may cost you your life. The person who discovers the device is to

assist with (Felix) Bomb Disposal unit by

drawing a basic diagram of the device and a safe location way in

CLEAR

Evacuate the area to a safe distance, this can be as much as 400m in the open or

less if in a built-up area. Beware of flying glass

CORDON

Contact the appropriate authorities, Call 999. Do not allow anybody back in the

vicinity of area unless authorised. Make sure that the VIP is diverted

CONTROL

Control the situation until the authorities arrive. Set up an RV point for the

emergency services. (This must be outside the cordon and in a safe area). Any

witnesses will assist the bomb disposal unit and give any information that was

gathered

CHECK (Evaluate)

Check the cordon and control to see if it is still implemented.

AREA SEARCH

THE SYSTEMATIC SEARCH - FIVE PHASES

Phase 1: Winthrop from ICP. The whole team to do a ground appreciation from

the ICP looking for Winthrop points / markers and the team 2ic logs them down

Phase 2: Winthrop from boundaries. The whole team walks the boundaries with

the dog leading. This enables the team to: Familiarise themselves with the ground

and boundaries. Locate other markers, which could not be seen from the CP.

Consider accessibility into the area

Phase 3: Search Winthrop points

Phase 4: Search boundaries

Phase 5: Search open areas

After completing his plan the team leader sends the search pairs to search the

Winthrop points/markers within the area to a distance of 15 m around each one.

One pair searching clockwise and a second pair searching anticlockwise making

sure that the boundary is overlapped by one metre search the boundaries. An

extended line is formed and the area is swept through.

HIDE LOCATIONS

Nearly all hides must be designed and situated for opening at night. Therefore they

must be easy to find in the dark noticeable by such things as a:

1. Distinctive tree in the corner of a field

2. Tree alone in the centre of a hedgerow

3. Gap in the hedge Telegraph pole in the hedge

4. Very distinct natural object or set of objects

GOOD CONCEALMENT AND ACCESSIBILITY

1. Wooded areas

2. Thick hedgerows

3. Derelict buildings

4. Underground - rarely more than 6 inches deep

5. Paving stones

6. Walls

7. Waste ground.

HIDE CONTAINERS

1. Wooden boxes

2. Milk churns

3. Barrels

4. Dustbins

5. Plastic pipes

6. Metal boxes

7. Polythene bags

8. Oil drums

9. Plastic buckets

10. Saucepans.

Stages of Search

Vehicle search is a standard procedure before use and when left unattended for

any period of time. Daily, before use, after servicing or repair and after a vehicle has

been left unattended. All the vehicles on the team, this includes the VIP and his

security staff vehicles, should be searched

A search should be conducted in an area where you are secure and away from the

public. You do not want any interested third parties keeping you under surveillance

to witness your routine car search procedure, for obvious reason.

1. GROUND (Surrounding Area / Cursory Check)

2. BODY (Outside of the Vehicle)

3. UNDERNEATH (Including Wheels and Arches)

4. INSIDE (Vehicle Internal)

5. BONNET/BOOT (Including locks)

6. FINAL TESTS

If a bomb or a device is suspected do not go near the vehicle, contact the bomb

disposal unit, or whatever authority is in charge. Take preventative precautions.

"Better safe than blown to bits" Never use a radio/mobile phone within 200 metres

of, or until it is "safe'', the vehicle being searched. A personal radio, phone or pager

can and will set off a radio controlled device

The search drill should take 15-30 minutes, depending on experience and

knowledge. Before touching the vehicle an external search should always be done.

Look inside the vehicle from the outside, before attempting to go in

Remember all people not involved with the search should be kept at a safe distance

and all radios turned off out of range. What are we looking for? Improvised

Explosive Devices, not military bombs. Brake cables kinked or cut, wheel nuts

loose, POL (Petrol or Diesel, Oils and Lubricants) and Battery OK?

Damaged tyres slashed or punctured, check spare. A device may not be in the

vehicle being searched; it might be in another car, building or a bin and away from

the vehicle, but is set off by that vehicle.

GROUND

Check the surrounding ground; look for footprints, tyre marks or any other fresh

disturbances in the ground. Check car park and buildings in close proximity,

including drains and culverts behind walls and hedges

You are looking for string, fuse, wire, tape, and pieces of paper, fishing line or

broken glass, anything that is foreign or unusual. Look for oil stains or tyre marks

where the vehicle could have been pushed back and forth to place pressure switch

under wheels.

BODY

Do not touch the vehicle but look inside through the windows for anything

suspicious, i.e. hanging wires or switches that are turned on, (e.g. lights, wipers,

horn, indicators or heaters), anything suspicious

Look for marks of forced entry around all doors or windows that may have been

tampered with. Look closely at paintwork and watch out for half closed doors or

packages. If the vehicle is locked the most likely place to find a device is under it.

UNDERNEATH

Get down and use your eyes. Look for chunks of dirt that have been dislodged from

the vehicle; pay attention to wheels and tyres for punctures and any sharp object

embedded in them. Look under, around and on top of all wheels and arches. Check

inside hubcaps feel lock nuts. Are any loose? Carefully check inside the wheel

arches but do not use your hands to feel around as this could knock out a device.

Check for clean wires (that should not be) or loose wires hanging down. Look inside

the exhaust (heat sensitive device). Inspect all of the chassis and exhaust pipe

Use a torch under engine bay, behind the bumpers, around and above the fuel tank.

Don't miss the drive shafts, springs, shock absorbers or around the transmission

and hand brake cables. If the vehicle is used regularly, get to know the underside of

the vehicle just as good as you know the rest. A clean and well under sealed vehicle

is a good way of preventing the planting of a magnetic device.

INSIDE

Look through the windows for anything suspicious. It pays to keep the vehicle tidy

inside. Pay particular attention to the area underneath the passenger and driver ’s

seats. Use a door that is not usually used by the VIP when you put the key in to

open, apply a little pressure in on the door to keep control. Open slowly and look for

attached wires. Use a plastic strip, a credit card or the inside part of a pen to feel

around the door; as the door is opened check the hinge area. If there are two of

you, the other person can watch through the opposite window. Open all doors with

the same sequence and leave them open.

Do not touch any switches. Carry out every interior search thoroughly. From the

floor, work up in a logical sequence. Check under floor mats for pressure devices,

under and behind the front and rear seats. Check armrests and door panels for

signs of tampering. Look at pedals, air vents, cigarette lighter, dashboard and glove

box. Pay close attention to the sun visors, check behind them. It is a common and

easy place to plant a small but lethal device. Do not rest on seats until you are sure

that there are no pressure devices. Finally check the rear window shelf, speakers,

radios and interior lights etc.

BONNET

Release the bonnet catch under pressure, one person to hold down the bonnet

while catch is released. Using a piece of plastic feel around the edge of the bonnet

and look as it is slowly raised, repeat at the spring catch and hinges. If satisfied

open bonnet.

Our first reaction is to disconnect the battery, generally. Be aware of triggering a

device activated by the collapsed circuit. Look carefully around the battery for

foreign wires. Search in places that power can be drawn or sent to, i.e. ignition,

battery, fuse box, alternator starter motor, electric fan, wiper motor, air conditioner,

lights and steering. Look around carburettor and manifold, be suspect of unusually

clean or bare wiring.

BOOT

Open the boot in the same sequence as the doors. Remove all items from the boot;

look at the area behind the rear seats and the tool compartment. Check spares for

serviceability and look for any wires attached to the brake lights or indicators. Be

aware that lifting the spare tyre out will alter the gravity of the vehicle. Use your

common sense.

FINAL CHECK

When completely satisfied with the search leave all the doors and bonnet open;

start the engine. Check all electrical equipment. Move the vehicle and go through

all the gear changes; check brakes. Does the engine sound OK? Never report the

area as clear but that you have searched it. If anything suspicious is found carry

out the Five C’s

“CONFIRM, CLEAR, CORDON, CONTROL, CHECK - Do not touch.”

BUILDING SEARCH

BUILDING SEARCH - ACTION ON A FIND

1. Do not touch

2. Inform the team leader

3. Do not use your radio

4. Leave all doors and windows open

5. Leave lights on

6. Team leader informs POLSA (Police Search Adviser)

7. Appropriate agencies are tasked

The search team member, who finds the device should draw a sketch of the device

and remain on-site to assist agencies. The ATO (Ammunitions Technician Officer)

will need the following information:

1. Size and description of the device (sketch)

2. Exact time of find

3. The most direct route to the device

4. Are all the doors open?.

BUILDING SEARCH PROCEDURE

Building Searches are done in a very simple and logical sequence:

1. Doors

2. Walls

3. Ceilings

4. Furniture

5. Floors

6. Attics

7. Bathrooms

8. Stairways

AREAS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST:

1. Roof Area, Skylights

2. Between eaves and slates

3. Water tanks and pipe work (including gutters)

4. Rafters and any insulation such as felt or beads.

ROOMS

1. Doors – take off the fittings

2. Furniture, interior fittings

3. Walls, air vents

4. Windows especially sash type, outside ledges

5. Fireplaces and chimneys

6. Ceilings (compare them)

7. Floor coverings; floor (particularly loose floorboards)

8. Lights and their fittings

9. Cisterns

10. Panel surrounds of the bath

11. Behind, under bath

12. Hot water system

13. Mirrors and towel rails

14. Staircase frame

15. Panels

16. Step and riser treads.

KITCHEN

1. Walls especially ventilation bricks

2. Fridge’s, stoves etc (switch off gas)

3. Food containers, pots etc (tip the contents out into polythene bags, then replace

them in the original containers)

GENERAL

1. All tubular systems

2. False letterbox

3. Prams, children’s toys

4. Suitcases

5. Air inlet systems

6. Sewer, drainage systems

7. Outside areas

8. Electricity boxes

9. TVs and other electrical appliances.

PRIORITY AREAS: Colour coding or the R.A.G. Zones

Split the building into areas that must be searched, this will depend in how

much time is available and manpower

RED ZONE: The killing zone. A thorough search, where the VIP will go and

every room; above, below and beside

AMBER ZONE: Areas that should preferably be searched. Places that people

who are in contact with the VIP will go and come from e.g. Kitchens and

Servants quarters

GREEN ZONE: All other parts of the building and gardens where the Client may

wish to spend time, e.g. external building, outdoor pool, changing areas or

gazebo, window or; stop en-route.

Post search security

During the searching process you will require to put looks on doors and secure

drains with tape this is ensure that the area has been searched and that it is now

secure consider the use of guards on doors and rooms

Aids to searching

Search dogs both arms and explosives and police dogs are a good aid to searching

for IED’s and weapons, also on the market are explosives detectors which are able

to detect the presence of explosives detecting the scent and analysing it

AREA:

1. Remove cover

2. Secure

GARAGE:

1. Large enough

2. Empty

3. Floor solid and clean

4. Search equipment ops room

5. Ramps/inspection pit.

LIGHTING:

1. Inspection lamps

2. Under floor lighting

3. Skirting lighting

VEHICLE:

1. Photographs

2. Locks access points

3. Engine compartment painted

4. Under-seal.

SEARCH EQUIPMENT

1. Nylon cord

2. Plastic strips

3. Screwdriver, plain and cross

4. Adjustable spanners

5. Prodders

6. Torch

7. Vehicle tools

8. Overalls mat

9. Mirrors

10.Explosive detectors

11.Sniffer dogs

12.Bore scopes/endoscopes.

Using Explosive Detector Dogs (Sniffer Dogs)

If your Principal has a threat that may involve explosive devices, the sniffer dog is

the champion of quick and efficient searches. Despite new and ever more

sophisticated technology, nothing is more mobile, versatile, reliable or

discriminating than a well trained dog. These dogs are an essential element in the

fight against terrorism and organised crime and are put to good news in Iraq and

Afghanistan Checkpoints

As an example of how good the sniffer dog is, one example is of a dog in Northern

Ireland that found a gun in a ditch that had been used to murder a woman.

30 years previously!!

The sniffer dog however, is really only as good as its handler. If you treat the dog

like a pet it will lose its skills in a relatively short period of time and will need to be

retrained, so ensure that any dogs you use come with a good handler. Make sure

that the dog and handler are tested regularly using training aids to ensure the

efficiency of the dog has not diminished.

The Law

Before conducting any search operation consult the police with regard to what you

can and can’t search if it is not your property you must ask permission from the

owner to conduct searches on his or her premises if any damage is caused you

must inform the owner and pay for any unnecessary damage

SUMMARY

In today’s insecure and technologically advanced world there really is no excuse for

not practicing this VITAL component of Close Protection

Carrying out searches on vehicles, buildings and personnel should form part of the

everyday life of the CPO, whether you carry it out overtly or covertly!.

QUESTIONS