An
important aspect of the domination of a location is the Cover & Contact
drill used when an operator wishes to make contact with a suspect for the
purposes of cuffing and searching.
In this drill the operator will revert back to the buddy concept, one going
forward to make contact with the suspect, while the partner covers with his
weapon.
In general, it is unwise to approach a suspect until one is getting verbal
compliance to commands.
On a Clearing mission, however, the initial entry is fast and confusing.
With the exception of yelling
"Get down", it is very difficult to have a "meaningful dialogue" with an
uncooperative or shocked suspect. It may be necessary to physically put
suspects on the floor.
One of the tough decisions that an operator may have to make at this point,
is how to handle a suspect who appears to be cooperating by putting his
hands up but still has a gun in his hand. If the suspect does not drop the
weapon on command, and there is any apparent intent that he may be just
looking for an opportunity to use it, it may be necessary to shoot him. If
he initiates an aggressive action, it will be almost too quick to react to.
As for the cover drill, whenever an operator sees the team member ahead of
him make contact with a suspect, he should automatically cover him. In most
cases, the partner will communicate that he is going forward by saying
"Contact" or "Cover me", the covering operator will respond with,
"Covering".
Cover and Contact drills become more complex when dealing with multiple
suspects and occupants in a small location.
Operators should be especially careful moving between suspects who are not
face down on the ground. When going into a contact / arrest procedure, an
operator will usually reholster his handgun or sling his SMG. If a suspect
resists, the operator has two choices: try to restrain him or break contact
and draw his weapon. In a situation where the suspect draws a weapon, or
begins fighting for the contact operator’s weapon, the cover man must move
in and immediately neutralize the suspect. Keep in mind that action is
faster than reaction, so a cover man must move fast to protect his partner
and himself. After cuffing, the suspect will need to be searched for
weapons. First like; belt, waist band, pockets, ankles, small of the back
and armpits. Then move onto the other areas .of the body where smaller
weapons could be hidden. Be alert for small flat blades and knives taped to
the forearms.
All operators should be especially cautious when dealing persons that might
be drug users. Firstly there is a high probability that they may be HIV/AIDS
infected, and secondly, that they may be in possession of syringes and
hypodermic needles. These individuals should not be handled without the
protection of rubber gloves, and even then very carefully. The operator
should not put his hands into the suspect’s pockets.
