text: Chapter 7
  • Begin the vehicle search at the front and end at the rear.
  (cid:131) One searcher searches the right front, right side, and right rear.
  (cid:131) The other searcher searches the left front, left side, and left rear.
  • Conduct a visual search of the exterior and top.
  • Conduct a visual search of the underside of the vehicle.
  • Without entering, conduct a visual search of the interior of the vehicle.
  • Ensure the engine is off, and then ensure the hood, trunk, and all doors are open.
  • Check the inside of the front hood.
  • Check the interior left and right sides.
  • Check the rear compartment.
  • Complete the search.
  • Return keys to driver.
  • Instruct driver and occupants to continue.
  Vehicle Types
  7-40. Vehicles are generally categorized into four types: automobiles (cars), motorcycles and bicycles,
  buses, and heavy goods vehicles (trucks). Search considerations for the car are covered above as part
  of basic vehicle considerations. Search considerations for the three additional vehicles follow:
  Motorcycles and Bicycles
  7-41. Basic motorcycle and bicycle search procedures include—
  • Ensure at least two people conduct the search.
  (cid:131) One for the driver and passenger.
  (cid:131) One for the vehicle.
  • Have the driver or a passenger turn off the engine and dismount.
  • Visually inspect the vehicle and any compartments on the vehicle.
  • Complete the search.
  • Instruct driver and passenger to mount up and continue.
  Buses
  7-42. Basic bus search procedures include—
  • Ensure at least four people conduct this search.
  (cid:131) Two for the driver and occupants.
  (cid:131) Two for the bus itself.
  • Set aside an area to search buses due to their length, potentially large number of occupants,
  and lots of luggage.
  • Instruct only the driver to turn off the engine and open all exterior compartments.
  • Initially, board the bus, check all occupants' identification, note seating arrangements,
  and check carry-on baggage.
  • If a full search is required, have all occupants exit the bus with their baggage, and then detain
  them while you search the bus and baggage.
  • Complete the search.
  • Instruct driver and occupants to reload and continue.
  Heavy Goods Vehicles (Trucks)
  7-43. Basic heavy goods (truck) vehicle search procedures include—
  • Ensure at least three personnel conduct the search.
  (cid:131) One for the driver and occupants.
  (cid:131) Two for the vehicle.
  • Set aside an area to search these vehicles due to their length and amount of cargo.
  • Instruct the driver to turn off the engine, open the hood, and open all doors.