Deadly Error #2: Improper search and use of handcuffs

Before we get to my next installment on the 10 deadly errors, review the whole list here: http://blueprojectstalbans.blogspot.com/2015/03/10-deadly-errors-original-text.html

Thoughtful police officers can think of an example they've either done or seen done for each one. This one of improper searching and improper handcuffing is most troubling.  I personally know of four West Virginia police officers killed due to making this error.  I know of one officer who is alive only because the offender he arrested didn't want to kill him and surrendered his hidden handgun before he was walked in to the jail (hey, you can't find what you don't look for).  Part of me wants to be sensitive, but these errors are called DEADLY errors for a reason.  If we can't handle some in our face criticism we are in the wrong line of work.

Let me start by saying I am sure I have missed weapons.  I am not going to pretend that I have done all of my searches perfectly.  I have handcuffed people in the front.  I am guilty.  Perhaps I am alive only because no one wanted to kill me.  I will likely never know any of these close calls.  But, on every arrest or detention, I must follow all of the search protocols.  EVERY time.  It's all about managing the risk.  It's been my experience that officers who do the best searches are those who used to be corrections officers.  This is because they work in a weapons free area and doing good searches is practically a religion in jails and prisons.  Drug enforcement officers typically do good searches and it stands to reason.  If they can find a tiny pill or baggie of heroin, they'll usually find a hidden gun or knife.

In preparing for a class a couple of years ago, I found the video below.  It is about as bad as it gets.  It highlights one particular area police officers fail to search, the groin area.  Even though this was a female suspect and male officer, you can easily see the handgun!  This would not have been a sensitive search issue!  Let's watch (it's mostly in Spanish, but you easily get the point):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt3LIvnbGkk

OK, why didn't the person holing the camera sing out?  Well, he should have but it wasn't his/her job.  The arresting officer and every officer within eyesight is to blame.  No one saw it.  At lest she was handcuffed behind her back.....

Most trainers teach the concept of handcuff then search.  If it isn't an arrest situation, there are numerous ways to secure the suspect's hands while you search.  I tend to check top to bottom on first one side of the body then the other.  Others check the waistband first then top to bottom.  Which ever way you do it, develop a system and do it the SAME way EVERY time.

Regardless of your system, ALWAYS check the groin area.  Guys if you're searching a female, there are methods to avoid being accused of something.  Obviously, you want a female officer if one is available.  If not, stand in front of a camera either on your cruiser, a fellow officer's body cam, or even in a business.  One of my coworkers did a pretty sensitive search on a female suspect but he took the time to walk the woman a few feet so they were in view of a gas pump camera at a local convenience store.  If they wanted to make an accusation, we'll have it on video.

If you're very worried, get a Metal Tec!  It's around $200 and even available on Amazon!
http://www.torfino.com/mtec.asp

http://www.amazon.com/Torfino-MetalTec-Silent-Vibrating-Detector/dp/B004WVFK9O

You young officers, have someone buy you one when you start out.  Maybe as a Christmas gift!

As for handcuffing, You have to practice.  Take a half hour and watch this video.  It sums things up nicely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OeL1i0WXlY

Handcuff in the rear.  Have an extra set for the fat bodies.  Make them pinky tight and double lock. Always handcuff the back of the hands together. Remember, handcuffs are a TEMPORARY restraint device.  YouTube is full of videos of people breaking handcuffs and leg shackles.  I wish someone would come up with a better design and construction.  But for the time being we are stuck.  So in the meantime, continually monitor your prisoner.  For those of you who work in rural areas and have a long way to drive to your processing area or jail, purchase one of these items to use in addition to your handcuffs:

http://www.rippinternational.com/

We often project blame on the bad guys when they do us harm.  But many times they try because we let them.  We give them opportunity.  So take away their opportunity by doing these little things.  Do good searches EVERY TIME!  Handcuff properly EVERY TIME!