by Charles Moffitt

The suspect has run from police and a perimeter has been established. Now it is time to coordinate a search. As mentioned in last month’s article and as many officers already know, the streets provide the suspect with the advantage. The ambush sites are numerous and intentions of the suspect are unknown. This is when officers can use smart tactics, lethal and non-lethal weapons, lights, and communication to out-maneuver and apprehend the suspect. Officers using the search cell method will minimize the threat a suspect can present and provide a thorough search inside the perimeter.

Officers arriving on the scene and not on a perimeter position need to start gathering information on the suspect. Is the suspect’s identity and criminal history known? What crime is the suspect going to be charged with when apprehended? If a vehicle was used, was it searched for additional criminal evidence? Does the registered owner know who had possession of the vehicle? Once these questions are answered we need to decide if the search is worth the effort. If we are going to search, then develop a team and a search pattern.

Typically the streets provide enough manpower for a three-man search cell. If a two-officer team cannot complete the job safely, then the search isn’t worth it.

Positions of the three-man search cell

The point preferably will carry a long rifle and provide the team cover as they look for the suspect. The team leader will control the movement of the team and communication with the suspect. The rear guard will provide rear area cover and control the suspect. The team searches as one unit. The cell provides overlapping areas of responsibility and 360 degrees of cover. The team will break up the search area and systematically cover the inside of the perimeter.

The following scenario is an example of how the team maneuvers through the inner perimeter:

The Team will start at the Northeast corner of the perimeter. The search will encompass the front and backyard of House #1. The same pattern continues south to House # 8. The Team should keep giving updates to the perimeter officers every 3-4 houses. The Team will move to House #9 and continue the pattern to the North, until contact with suspect is made. Don’t forget to use the information from neighbors and check abandoned homes.

Once contact is made, the team leader and rear guard will become the contact and control team. Remember if it isn’t worth doing safe, it isn’t worth doing it at all. Stay safe!

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