U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Cursory Search and Cursory Search Takedown

NCJ Number
166977
Date Published
1997
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This training videotape uses a step-by-step approach to demonstrate and explain the demonstrates the techniques that police officers should use when conducting a cursory search or making a takedown of a suspect.
Abstract
The discussion describes and demonstrates the five essential components of a cursory search, the technique most often used. These components are to always do a visual search of the individual first, to make sure that both the police officer and the suspect are properly positioned, to maintain control of the suspect's hands, to use the appropriate techniques to react to any sudden actions of resistance, and to handcuff the suspect quickly if needed. Police personnel are advised to focus particularly on the waistband as a location for hidden weapons; to have a female deputy, if available, do the search of a female; and to be prepared for resistance or assault when doing a takedown.