171-137-0001 - Search Vehicles in a Tactical Environment

WARNING: Performing any task outside or off of the vehicle in a contemporary operational environment (COE), always be aware of possible threat snipers.

WARNING: When performing any task outside of the vehicle in a COE, wear your combat protective gear (Kevlar, body armor and protective mask) according to your unit's tactical standing operating procedures (TSOP).

WARNING: Always be aware of your surroundings, there are several types of threats you will have to be prepared to react to, including but not limited to the following: suicide bombers (mounted and dismounted), mortar attacks, and rocket propelled grenade (RPG) attacks.

NOTE: At least one member of the search team must provide security at all times while others conduct the search.

   1.  Stop the vehicle.

   2.  Inform the occupants of the reason for the search.

   3.  Identify the occupants by looking at their driver's licenses or ID cards.

   4.  Direct the occupants to get out of the vehicle.

   5.  With the exception of the driver, direct the occupants to move to a place about 5 meters from the vehicle and out of the flow of traffic where they can be watched.

   6.  Direct the driver to open all doors and compartments, to include the ashtray, glove box and/or armrest, trunk, and hood.

NOTE: At this point the driver joins the other occupants of the car about five meters from the vehicle.

NOTE: Searching the occupants of the vehicle is covered under a separate task (171-137-0002, Conduct a Personal Search/Frisk in a Combat Environment). The results of the vehicle search may require that a personal search be conducted at the same time.

   7.  Search the following areas on the vehicle:

NOTE: Use an improvised mirror device to search the undercarriage and other areas that are difficult to see.

NOTE: While conducting the search look for any electrical wires that seem out of place or any unidentifiable foreign objects.

           a.  Search the inside of the vehicle, to include --

                 (1)  Behind and under the seat.

                 (2)  Under the dashboard.

                 (3)  Glove and tool compartment.

                 (4)  Above the sun visor.

           b.  Search the outside of the vehicle, in sequence, to include --

                 (1)  Left front fender well and behind the wheel.

                 (2)  Under the front bumper and behind and under the grill.

                 (3)  Under the hood and all areas behind the radiator and around the engine.

                 (4)  Right front fender well and behind the wheel.

                 (5)  Under the right side of the body, back to and including the right rear fender well, and behind the wheel.

                 (6)  Inside cargo areas and the trunk.

                 (7)  Under and behind the rear bumper.

                 (8)  Left rear fender well and behind the wheel.

                 (9)  Under the left side of the body, back to the left front fender well.

                (10)  Top of the vehicle.

                (11)  Fuel tank(s).

   8.  If prohibited items are not found in the vehicle, release the vehicle to the driver.

   9.  If prohibited items are found in the vehicle, apprehend the offender and notify your supervisor.

   1.  Stopped the vehicle.

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   2.  Informed the occupants of the reason for the search.

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   3.  Identified the occupants by looking at their driver's licenses or ID cards.

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   4.  Directed the occupants to get out of the vehicle.

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   5.  With the exception of the driver, directed the occupants to move to a place about 5 meters from the vehicle and out of the flow of traffic where they could be watched.

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   6.  Directed the driver to open all doors and compartments, to include the ashtray, glove box and/or armrest, trunk, and hood.

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   7.  Searched the vehicle in a sequenced manner.

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   8.  If prohibited items were not found in the vehicle, released the vehicle to the driver.

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   9.  If prohibited items were found in the vehicle, apprehended the offender and notified your supervisor.

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FM 19-10

FM 3-20.15 (FM 17-15)

FM 3-20.98 (FM 17-98)