How to Conduct Body search Effectively?

Last Updated on September 26, 2024 by Ranga

Security guard search procedures are quite similar across the world. Security professionals commonly encounter various types of searches one of them is the body search or the physical search. The types of serach are as follow;

1. Bag and Belonging Search: Ensuring items carried by individuals are safe and comply with security regulations. Learn more
2. Vehicle Search: Thorough inspection of vehicles to detect prohibited or dangerous items. Learn more
3. Physical or Body Search: A direct search of individuals to ensure they are not carrying any unauthorized objects or materials.

Security staff use various security tools to screen individuals, but in cases of suspicion or as required by organizational policy, they should conduct physical searches of people.

How to control the rate of searches?

Controlling the rate of searches is crucial to maintaining security on-site. When everyone entering and exiting must be searched, managing the flow of people is essential.

Failure to do so can allow individuals to pass through the checkpoint without proper inspection, potentially carrying dangerous or prohibited items.

To avoid confusion and ensure a smooth process, it’s important to control the movement of people at a manageable pace. Follow these key points:

1. Maintain Order in the Pre-Screening and Queue Area: Keep the area organized to ensure a steady flow.
2. Guide Individuals to Proceed Only When the Previous Search is Complete: This helps avoid bottlenecks and ensures each person is properly checked.
3. Prevent Uncontrolled Advancements Through the Screening Point: Ensure no one moves through the checkpoint without proper clearance.

How to Conduct a body search?

When conducting a physical search, it’s important to check eight key areas of the person’s body:

1. Inspect the head and hair, including any headwear.
2. Turn up the collar and roll the fabric to check for sewn-in items.
3. Right Arm:
   • Ask the person to extend their entire arm.
   • Using both hands, pat from the armpit down to the wrists.
4. Left Arm:
   • • Direct the person to extend their entire arm.
     • With both hands, pat from the armpit down to the wrists.
5. Front of the Torso and Waist:
   • • Pat down the torso from top to waist.
     • Inspect the linings of shirt pockets and seams.
6. Right Groin, Leg, Ankle, and Foot:
   • Stand to the person’s right side.
   • Pat the inner and outer thigh with both hands.
   • Pull trouser pockets inside out.
   • Pat the leg down to the ankle.
   • Lift the trouser hem, and inspect the ankles and socks.
   • Remove shoes and inspect the insole, tongue, and laces.
7. Back of the Torso and Waist:
   • Pat down the torso from neck to waist.
   • Check shirt seams in detail.
8. Left Groin, Leg, Ankle, and Foot:
   • Stand to the left of the person.
   • Pat the inner and outer thigh with both hands.
   • Pull trouser pockets inside out.
   • Pat the leg down to the ankle.
   • Lift the trouser hem, and inspect the ankles and socks.
   • Remove shoes and inspect the insole, tongue, and laces.

What Physical items need to be searched?

• Purses and handbags
• Backpacks
• Laptop bags
• Toolboxes
• Suitcases

Preparing for the Physical Items Search

• Gain consent from the owner of the belongings
• Separate the item (bag, case, box, etc.)
• from the primary search area
• Direct the owner to place the item on a secondary search table

How to perform the physical items search?

• Direct the owner to open the item
•  Visually inspect the contents (do not touch anything)
•  Direct the owner to remove items of interest and place them on the table for closer visual inspection

Searching people outside of a designated search area

The nature of security operations also results in unexpected occurrences. Often security staff needs to check for personal or properties outside a security screening point. Under this situation, you may be required to conduct searches outside of the search area.

1. Evidence of consent
   • Ask the person to sign a statement in the official notebook giving consent for the search
   • Obtain a witness if possible
2. Personal safety
   • Choose a well-lit location
   • Move away from any traffic hazards
   • Request back up Security staff if available
   • Communicate the intent to perform a search with the control room
   • Choose to perform the search under CCTV coverage if available

Conclusion;

As a security staff member, it’s essential to be aware of the types of items you need to identify and have a solid understanding of security guard body search procedures. This knowledge ensures you can carry out search tasks effectively and efficiently.

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