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.
