Carry out searches of vehicles LEGACY
Overview
This NOS is aimed at security and loss prevention service providers and sets out the skills, knowledge and understanding for you to carry out searches of vehicles.
This NOS covers the following activities:
1. Search vehicles for unauthorised items2. Respond to finding unauthorised items
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
Search vehicles for unauthorised items
1. maintain the health, safety and welfare of yourself and others whilst identifying the possible, risks and safety hazards2. make sure you have consent to search vehicles, before you search them3. carry out searches of vehicles at frequencies and in patterns according to your organisation’s policies and procedures4. give clear reasons for the search to all occupants whose vehicle has been selected to be searched and confirm the reasons given have been understood5. confirm that appropriate equipment needed for the search is available and is in effective safe working order6. use the appropriate equipment correctly to search vehicles effectively and efficiently7. be polite, professional and courteous while you carry out searches of vehicles8. take prompt and approved action when you find unauthorised items during a search9. take action in line with your organisation’s policies and procedures in the event of a vehicles occupants refusing consent to search10. complete the required records, accurately, legibly and within required timescales11. report the details of searches according to your organisation’s policies and procedures
Respond to finding unauthorised items
12. maintain the health, safety and welfare of yourself and others, while responding to finding unauthorised items13. identify unauthorised items found during searches of vehicles14. ask the occupants to explain the possession of unauthorised items politely and courteously15. retain securely unauthorised items found during a search as potential evidence in line with your organisation’s policies and procedures16. apprehend people suspected of having unauthorised items when this is appropriate, following your instructions and organisation’s policies and procedures17. record and report the relevant details relating to the unauthorised items to the appropriate person18. complete the required documentation relevant to the unauthorised items, accurately, legibly and within required timescales
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
Legal and organisational requirements
1. current relevant legislation (in particular Data Protection Act), regulations, codes of practice and guidelines relating to your authority to search vehicles2. the organisation's procedures and instructions you should follow when searching vehicles, including – 2.1 methods of searching different types of vehicles 2.2 when you should have witnesses 2.3 different types of search, including entry and exit 2.4 the implications of carrying out searches incorrectly 2.5 responding to increased threat levels 2.6 finding unauthorised items
Search vehicles for unauthorised items
3. possible hiding places in different types of vehicles4. interpersonal skills and how to use them during searches of vehicles5. the possible reactions of drivers to the request to submit to a search and how to deal with them6. the range of unauthorised items that you should look for during searches7. what you should do when you find unauthorised items, and to whom this should be reported8. how to check that the equipment you need for the search is available and in effective working order9. the risks and safety hazards from unauthorised and prohibited items being searched for and how to deal with them10. the implications of carrying out searches incorrectly or not in accordance with legal requirements
Respond to finding unauthorised items
11. the action you can take when you find unauthorised items during a search, therefore the limits of your responsibility and authority12. the possible reactions of occupants to finding unauthorised items and how to respond13. how to retain unauthorised items safely so that they may be used as evidence if required14. to whom you should report finding unauthorised items in line with your organisation's policies and procedures
Scope/range
Scope Performance
1. searches: 1.1. on entry to premises 1.2. on exit from premises 1.3. random 1.4. specific
2. equipment: 2.1. mirrors 2.2. torches 2.3. ladders 2.4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
3. action that you could take: 3.1. apprehend suspects 3.2. retain unauthorised items as potential evidence 3.3. call for other authority 3.4. report the incident
4. unauthorised items: 4.1. illegal substances 4.2. weapons 4.3. property which may be stolen 4.4. banned items 4.5. explosive devices
5. details that you should record: 5.1. identity of occupants and vehicles 5.2. description of unauthorised items 5.3. time 5.4. date 5.5. place of search 5.6. witnesses to the search
6. appropriate person to whom you should report: 6.1. client representative 6.2. police 6.3. your manager
7. documentation: 7.1. reports 7.2. notebooks 7.3. statements 7.4. identification labels 7.5. search forms