A Terry search is a critical task every officer should perform safely and effectively. Unfortunately, as is often the case with frequently conducted tasks, complacency can set in, placing officers at a greater risk when checking a suspect for weapons.
Since your intent is to locate any unseen weapons, the task should be accomplished with a heightened sense of situational awareness. Here are three ways to improve your Terry searches.
1. Ask the right questions
Police officers use a variety of inquiries as they question suspects prior to a pat down or search incident to arrest. Your intent is to ask questions in order to look for indications of deception. Follow these rules for success.
a. Ask realistic questions. For example, unless it is likely the suspect is carrying military grade weaponry, “Do you have any rockets, grenades or flamethrowers?” is a wasted question. And their honest answer of “no,” will not help you detect any unconscious, non-verbal signs of deception.
b. Do not ask a series of rapid-fire questions such as, “Do you have anything that can poke me, stick me or hurt me?” If they are carrying a gun, the first two can be answered no and again you may miss a vital sign from the suspect.
c. Ask individual questions, wait for the reply and use what you see and hear as a gauge as to the suspect’s honesty. “Do you have any drugs on you?” “No.” “Do you have any needles?” “No.” “Are you carrying a gun?” “Uh, um, uh, no.” The change in answer, speech pattern, tone and speed are all verbal clues the suspect is armed. During the question and answer segment, you also need to look for changes in body position and movement. A hand that drops to touch a pocket or a shift of the eyes can indicate the location of the firearm.
d. Remember the purpose of the question: You are attempting to get them to tell you about the weapon by their words and actions. If you don’t take the time to ask the proper questions and closely observe their behavior, you won’t get the vital information you need to ensure your safety.
e. Do not ask questions while conducting the search. You cannot observe and listen to the suspect’s answers and search effectively at the same time.
2. Position the suspect correctly
a. Do not have the suspect put their hands on a car, wall, etc. Having a suspect put their hands on a solid object is a tactical error for the following reasons:
i. The suspect now has a solid platform to attack from. They can use that object to push off from and add power to their kicks or strikes.
ii. The wall gives them stability and balance to resist should they decide to.
iii. The stabilizing object can be used against you should the suspect decide to trap your arm and spin or throw you into it. Multiple videos show suspects practicing this technique in prison.
b. Do not stand directly in front of or behind the suspect. Instead, stand at a 45-degree angle off to their right or left side before you search or frisk.
c. Control the hands. If you don’t have the suspect’s hands in your grasp, don’t start a frisk. Whether you use a method of behind the back or on the back of the head, secure their personal weapons before you search for other weapons. When the circumstances dictate it, handcuff the suspect before searching.
3. Be aware of search pattern
The most common places for suspects to carry a firearm are the area between the hip bone and the navel on their dominant side, the small of the back and in a pocket. When you search the waist line, go past the navel and sweep past the spine on each side. Just like a good vehicle or room search, overlap your search areas to make sure you don’t leave a gap.
My hope is that as you read this article you are thinking, “No kidding, Captain Obvious!” This would mean you are being safe while conducting this daily task. If you are, do me and yourself a favor and point out the mistakes you see fellow officers making so they can correct what they are doing. I see too many officers violating one or all of the procedures listed here.
The objective of a Terry search is to protect you, your partner and your community. It only makes sense to do it as safely as possible.
How are your skills at spotting hidden weapons?
This video provides tips on spotting concealed weapons. Your ability to do this is critical to being able to articulate the suspicion that a suspect is armed.
