Unit 5: Written Examination Preparation

Conducting The Detailed Search

The first officer should then advise the follow up officer what additional information was obtained. Both
officers should then conduct a thorough and detailed search of the area.

The officers should sweep their flashlight beams back and forth across the lawn to illuminate footprints outlined in the wet grass. They should check behind and under all shrubs and bushes for any signs of recent
activity such as footprints, broken limbs or twigs, fingerprints, and smudges on the window ledges. The officers should look for any apparent attempt to enter the residence, such as a tear in a window screen or pry marks on a door or window.

All trees and rooftops in the immediate area should be searched. Many successful burglars and prowlers
have been able to avoid capture because the investigating officers became so preoccupied by looking for
evidence on the ground that they failed to look up where the suspect was hiding above them.

The officers should search in and around garages, sheds, and any other outbuildings located nearby. They should look in and under any vehicles parked in the caller’s driveway, adjacent driveways, and the street.

If the prowler is spotted by the officers and a foot pursuit results, the officers should be particularly careful to avoid low-hanging tree limbs, branches, and clotheslines, low fences and walls, briar and shrubs,
swimming pools, unleashed dogs, and any other hazardous items people may have in their yards.

The prowler is usually familiar with the neighborhood and can avoid such obstacles, but the officer may not be so fortunate.