5. Search Techniques - Outside
a. Common sense shows that the search proceeds from the outside to the inside, and from the
bottom to the top. These principles have resulted from years of practical experience and reduce
the risk of injury to both the searchers and the occupants.
b. All phases of the search may be conducted at the same time if a large, trained search team is
available. If the search teams are to be divided, the following breakdown of team members has
been found to be effective:
Outside search - 25%
Public areas - 25%
Detailed room search - 50%
c. The smallest search unit should have two men because of the psychological and physical
advantages. Two men will conduct a more thorough search and can work together when heavy
furniture must be moved.
6. The search of the outside of a building is more important because this is the area most accessible
to the bomber, especially when many buildings are closed. The outside search pattern begins at
ground level and close attention must be given to:
Piles of leaves or refuse
Shrubbery
Entrances
Manholes
Trash cans
Parked vehicles (look, only;
suspect vehicles should be
searched by EOD personnel)
7. The search should be conducted outward to a distance of 25 to 50 feet from the building. After
completing the ground-level search, return to the building and search window ledges, air-
conditioning units, signs, building ornamentation, fire escapes, and the roof. After completing the
outside search, members of this team may be added to the inside search team.
8. Search Techniques - Inside
a. Search of the inside will start with the basement and work toward the top floor. If a separate
public-area search team is organized, use building custodial personnel on the team because
they are most familiar with the areas to be searched; for example, reception rooms, lobbies,
elevators, stairs, custodial closets, and rest rooms. As search teams move through the building,
each area is marked as it is searched to avoid repeating the search by other teams. One
method of showing a "search-completed" area is to tie a piece of string or crepe paper across
the door openings.
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