VEHICLE SEARCHES

AND HAZARDS

SSG. CHRIS GESKEYTF 1-114TH INF. BN.SOUTH CAMP, SINAI

MFO 47

PURPOSE: To provide a block of instruction on vehicle search techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To be able to evaluate vehicles for the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Hidden Compartments, and possible indicators of such threats.

REFERENCES:• Office of Homeland Security- Technical

Support Group, Terrorism Technology Support Office

• FM 5-34 Engineer Data Book

• FM 3-19.30 Physical Security

• FM 19-15 Military Police Skills

• New Jersey State Police Academy

OUTLINE:

• Security Warning

• Safety/ Security Guidelines

• Do’s and Don’t

• Vehicle Hazards Areas

• Personnel Interviews

• Explosives and Stand-off Distances

SECURITY WARNING !!!ALL INDIVIDUALS VIEWING THIS INFORMATION ARE REQUIRED TO PROTECT IT FROM UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE. IT IS NOT FOR PUBLIC USE, BUT IS INTENDED FOR USE BY LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AS A REFERENCE FOR TRAINING AND OPERATIONS IN PREPARING FOR AND RESPONDING TO WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION.

SAFETY/SECURITY GUIDELINES

DO’S:

-Never let your guard down

-Present a professional image

-Be Aggressive when searching/interviewing

-Be aware of current situation:

-Threat Level

-Available military support

-Available local support

-Intelligence reports

DO’S Continued:

- Establish an inspection routine

- Conduct a thorough inspection. If you think you may have missed something, do it again.

- Be aware of escape routes in case of emergency

- Escort occupants to a safe holding area if:

-A great possibility of explosives are present

-A possibility exists that occupants may flee

-The subject(s) attempts to interfere

-You feel something is wrong

SAFETY/SECURITY GUIDELINES

DON’T:

-Inspect vehicles alone

-Inspect a vehicle while motor is running

-Allow yourself to get in a vulnerable situation

-Allow the vehicle occupants to be present if you feel your safety is in danger.

-Wear jewelry or dangling items

-Carry rifles, if possible

DON’Ts Continued:

- Reach through fan blades. They can turn on even if vehicle is not running.

- Smoke while searching a vehicle. Combustible vapors may exist.

- Open doors or compartments by yourself

- Get in a position where you can be locked in a container

- Search with a radio in close proximity to vehicles

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING INTERVIEWS

• Destination and Purpose• What is their cargo?• Where are you coming from?• Who owns the vehicle?• Do you have any contraband on board?

NOTE: Observe driver and occupant’s behavior. Do they appear nervous or jittery? Are they uncooperative? People’s actions and reactions are sometimes more valuable than what they say.

QUESTIONS TO ASK COMMERCIAL DRIVERS

• Who is your employer?• What is your cargo?• May I see your logbook/ shipping papers?• How long have you been driving for your

employer?

NOTE: Be sure to ask the driver about his vehicle and knowledge of it. Look for equipment that support the vehicle’s role. For example, if there is a tanker trailer being pulled, does the vehicle have discharge hoses and adapters? Does the operator know what the valves/levers are for.

WHERE DO WE CONCENTRATE OUR VEHICLE SEARCH?

PASSENGER CAR SEARCH AREAS

TRUCK SEARCH AREAS

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

• New/shiny bolts

• Unusual scratches

• Unusually clean/dirty parts

• Electrical wire, tape, welds

• Fresh body work, or modified parts

• New carpeting (bulges,repairs,eg.)

• Hollow compartments (inside doors, vents, seats, and engine compartments)

• USE YOUR NOSE (glue, fuel, caulking)

EXPLOSIVES

Usually three parts:

- a trigger or fuse

- explosive charge

- container

Most have an Odor:

- Sweet Smell

- Fuel or Oil

- Acidic or vinegary

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

• In the event that a potential threat device is discovered:

• Secure the Driver

• Secure the Vehicle

• Alert the Commander or Sergeant of the Guard.

THE END

QUESTIONS?