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.
 NAME
1.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: SEARCH:
1. Single Entry Point 1. Prior to Securing and Guarding
2. Construction Doors/Method Lock 2. When Either Above Not Executed
3. Security Additional Entry Points 3. When Vehicle Left Unattended
4. Roof 4. When Unauthorised Access Suspected
5. Illumination 5. Every Day before Use by VIP
6. Key Security 6. Whenever Team Think Necessary

GUARD:
1. Keep Presence At Vehicle
2. Restrict Non-Authorised Access
3. Irregular Patrols
4. Intruder Alarms
5. Guard Secure Area
“IF IN DOUBT - CHECK IT OUT!”.
 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
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

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.
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